The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Low water levels and snow to the north are contributing to the lack of anglers. As December approaches, many will be anxiously waiting for the transition to ice fishing. Anglers can still catch whitefish, trout, bass, walleye and panfish. Northern pike are actively feeding as they prepare for winter.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Grand Haven: Pier anglers continue to catch whitefish and the occasional steelhead.
Muskegon: Night anglers are catching whitefish off the piers.
Muskegon River: Steelhead were caught with the colder temperatures however catch rates were spotty. Many are fly fishing. A couple large pike were also caught as this is their time to feed.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Betsie River: Is producing the occasional steelhead.
Manistee: Pier anglers are catching fish in the early morning or late evening.
Manistee River: Still has some steelhead being caught, but water levels are still low and clear. The fish are holding in the deeper holes and near the log jams.
Ludington: Pier and surf anglers are catching a few fish.
Pere Marquette River: Has a fair to good number of steelhead and some brown trout. Water levels continue to be low and clear so the fish are spooked easily. Most anglers are fly fishing.
