DNR Fishing Report

Hey there everyone how is fishing? Fishing has slowed due to the weather. The south winds have really stirred up the lake. It is very turbid and murky from Metro Beach (16 mile Rd.) up to the North Channel in the north end of the lake. The water temperatures are varying right now with all the runoff and rainfall. In the northern areas the range is 57-62 degrees. In the North Channel the temps are 55-59 degrees. Most canals are in the lower 60's.
Walleye in the last week have slowed down, but are starting to be picked up in more places on the lake. The most productive spot to date has been the North Channel between the Sni Bora and Grassy Island. The best place in this area has been directly in front of Deckers Landing. Boats are back trolling with kicker engines with the current to keep their line straight. Jigging with larger minnows has been working the best. Depths are running 55-70 feet right now. Chugging sinkers have also been working. Other areas for walleye include out from Metro Beach Park at 16 Mile Rd. Depths here are running 6-9 feet. Trolling with crawler harnesses have been working the best. Colors have been red beads with a silver blade, hammered copper or a brass, and white. Speeds are between 1mph-1.2mph.
Yellow perch are being caught out from the Salt River at 23 Mile Rd. Depths here are 4-6 feet. Use wax worms or minnows on slip bobbers or regular bobbers. Drifting has worked, but still fishing is more productive right now.
Northern Pike are starting to pick up again. Most boats are getting them straight out from the Selfridge Air Base at 21 Mile Rd. Trolling with crankbaits in about 10 feet of water has been working the best.
Panfish including pumpkinseed, bluegill, and crappie are being caught out from 23 Mile Rd in 4-6 feet of water on bobbers and crawler pieces. They're also being caught in the canals North of the Selfride Air Base, out from the Tin Fish restaurant, and in the Bay out from Fair Haven. Most of the depths in these area's are 4-7 feet. Weeds are starting to come up in these area's. Mini tube jigs, bobbers, and wax worms have been productive in these area's.
Good luck to everyone and be careful when the weather is expected to be bad. See you at the launches. Cory