Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Water levels are low and clear in the rivers and streams. Cold weather pushed steelhead up into the rivers however warmer temperatures by the weekend could slow the bite. Walleye are moving closer to shore. Those fishing the inland lakes for large and smallmouth bass have caught a good number of fish.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Grand Haven: Pier anglers and those surfcasting continue to target steelhead. Not much on whitefish as catch rates were slow.
Muskegon River: Has more steelhead moving up into the river even though water levels are low. Anglers are floating spawn and wax worms, casting small spoons or fly fishing.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Manistee: Is producing some steelhead for those surfcasting as well as those fishing off the piers. Try early morning, late evening or during the day when the weather is nasty.
Manistee River: Water levels are low and clear again which makes steelhead fishing somewhat difficult. Conditions like this require light leaders and small stealthy presentations to get them to bite.
Ludington: Steelhead were caught in the surf and off the piers. Fish early, late or when the weather is nasty.
Pere Marquette River: Water levels were low and clear and could stay that way for a while. The low and clear water conditions require light leaders especially if fish are on the gravel. For now, try fishing the deeper holes.
