Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Anglers are reminded that large and smallmouth bass season closes on all waters of the state on December 31. Many are hoping for safe ice by the end of the year so ice fishing can get started.
SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Grand Haven: Pier anglers are catching steelhead along with a few brown trout or whitefish. Those surfcasting are taking fish when floating spawn bags.
Muskegon River: Is fishable. Steelhead are still being caught as more move up into the river system.
NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA
Not much is happening in this region of the state. Some lakes have a little ice, but there is no safe ice yet. Steelhead fishing is basically the only game in town right now.
Betsie River: Continues to produce some steelhead.
Big Manistee River: Is fishable and should have a fair to good number of steelhead including some fresh fish. Many are fly fishing below Tippy Dam.
Little Manistee River: Is producing steelhead and the occasional brown trout however the river will close to fishing on January 1 and will reopen on April 1.
Pere Marquette River: Should still have some good steelhead fishing. Those fly fishing seem to catch more fish.
