Attention All Mariners
See the below information for regulations pertaining to the Pere Marquette Lake and Ludington Harbor Ship Channel.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
⸻
🎣 Michigan Weekly Fishing Report
🗓️ Thursday, August 28, 2025
Presented by Bait Man
⸻
🥁 Bait Man’s Beat
Late August in Michigan always feels like the hinge of the season. One week we’re sweating under stubborn summer heat, and the next a cold front sweeps through, dropping temps into the forties and fogging the lakes at dawn. This week was exactly that kind of week. Anglers saw mornings with their breath rising over the water, a sure sign that change is in the air—and the fish responded.
On the big lake, salmon have finally begun staging in earnest. Frankfort Harbor, Manistee Lake, White Lake, and the piers from Ludington to Muskegon are alive with kings pushing shallow. Early and late, spoons and plugs are still flying off the piers, but more and more anglers are turning to vertical jigging. Swedish Pimples, P-Line Laser Minnows, and the new Ziggy jig are producing fish straight under the boat. Add a sliver of Familiar Bite herring to a jig and it’s game on. For smaller boats and kayaks, jigging in the harbors is leveling the playing field—you don’t need downriggers and 200 feet of cable to find action right now.
Inland waters felt the cold snap too. Bass and walleye pulled tighter to structure, sliding off weed edges into 15–30 feet of water. On Long Lake and Torch Lake, sharp-shooting with jigs and crawlers over humps and gravel beds produced steady walleye. Smallmouth are cruising deeper points and ledges; while they’ll still rise to a topwater in low light, finesse rigs like a Ned or tube dragged on rock piles are putting more fish in the boat.
Panfish are in transition mode as well. Bluegills and perch pushed deeper, holding on weed lines or suspending near brush piles. A chunk of crawler on a drop shot or slip bobber is still the go-to, but minnows are beginning to take the lead, especially for perch. Reports of a few early migratory perch are trickling in from the drowned river mouths, a sign of what’s coming once the salmon finish their run.
The weather, the moon, and the calendar are all lining up for a classic Labor Day weekend bite. Early mornings and late evenings will be prime. Keep a crawler box, a bucket of minnows, and a pack of glow spoons in your arsenal—because whether you’re on a northern inland lake or standing on a Lake Michigan pier, the fish are moving, and this is the week they’re letting you know summer’s grip is slipping.
⸻
💥 Sponsor of the Week
Jay’s Sporting Goods – Gaylord, MI
📍 1151 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
📞 (989) 705-1339 • 🌐 jayssportinggoods.com
Jay’s is Northern Michigan’s go-to outfitter for serious anglers. Loaded with rods, reels, electronics, and live bait, Jay’s is the one-stop before you hit the inland lakes or Lake Michigan.
⸻
🧃 Bait Shop of the Week
Roy’s General Store – Traverse City, MI
📍 963 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686
📞 (231) 946-5633
Roy’s is the trusted local bait hub for East and West Bay anglers. Fresh crawlers, leeches, minnows, and the new hot jigs are all in stock—plus, the latest on where salmon and perch are biting.
⸻
🐟 Lake of the Week – Long Lake (Traverse City)
Where the Fish Are
• Humps & Edges: Bass and walleye concentrate around underwater humps and slopes.
• Transition Zones: Flats connected to humps are ambush areas for smallmouth.
• Late August Bite: Bass slide deeper, walleye feed early and late on the slopes, perch are holding off weed beds.
Top Techniques
• Bass: Dropshot rigs, Ned rigs, and tube baits along rocky humps. Topwaters at dawn/dusk.
• Walleye: Vertical jigging with crawlers or minnows, trolling crankbaits and harnesses, slip floats with leeches.
• General Tips: Quiet approach with electric motors, use electronics to map humps, best action early and late in the day.
⸻
🐟 Lake Michigan Salmon Report (Charlevoix → Grand Haven)
• Charlevoix: Kings staging outside the channel, 70–120 feet on plugs and spoons, pier anglers scoring on glow spoons at dawn.
• Grand Traverse Bay (East/West): Vertical jigging hot for salmon; Ziggy jigs and Pimples tipped with Familiar Bite herring are top baits. Trophy smallmouth also active near Elk Rapids.
• Frankfort: Salmon stacked at the pier head and Platte Bay. Jigging Swedish Pimples, P-Line Laser Minnows, and Ziggy jigs is on fire.
• Onekama / Portage Lake: Jigging reports strong; kings in 80–120 feet outside the channel.
• Manistee: Salmon thick in Manistee Lake and harbor; spoons at first light, jigging popular inside.
• Ludington: Pier bite heating up with glow spoons and skein. Trollers still taking fish 50–90 feet on plugs and meat rigs.
• Pentwater / White Lake: Kings staging inside White Lake—vertical jigging dominates. Pier anglers casting glow spoons also reporting solid catches.
• Muskegon / Whitehall: Most action right off the piers; kings on plugs and skein. Smaller boats doing well jigging inside the harbors.
• Grand Haven: Pier fishing active; salmon taking spoons and spawn bags in low light.
⸻
📍 Regional Inland Lake Reports
Lakes North of M-72 (Antrim, Otsego, Cheboygan, Charlevoix)
• Torch Lake: Lake trout and Atlantics deep, perch and smallmouth active near gravel and points.
• Lake Charlevoix: Bass and walleye strong around Ironton Cove humps; perch showing along weed lines.
• Burt Lake: Walleye on crawlers near drop-offs; perch scattered but improving.
• Mullett Lake: Smallmouth active on rocky points; walleye deeper.
• Black Lake: Pike steady on spinnerbaits; perch on crawlers in 10–15 feet.
• Otsego Lake: Walleye still on slip bobbers with leeches; bass holding on deeper weeds.
• Douglas Lake: Panfish and bass steady on weed lines.
Northwest Lakes (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason)
• Lake Leelanau: Walleye bite continues with crawlers in 20–30 feet; perch starting to group up.
• Glen Lake: Smallmouth active on rocky points; perch fair on minnows.
• Boardman Lake: Bluegill and crappie on worms and slip bobbers near docks.
• Spider Lake: Bass holding tight to cover, bluegill on crawlers.
• Green Lake: Perch on minnows, walleye scattered deeper.
• Crystal Lake (Benzie): Lakers still deep; smallmouth and perch improving near weed lines.
• Hamlin Lake (Mason): Walleye at dusk on crawlers; panfish steady.
• PM Lake (Ludington): Jigging for salmon inside hot; perch along edges on minnows.
South of US-10, North of I-96
• Silver Lake: Bass in shallows, panfish off weeds on crawlers.
• Pentwater Lake: Salmon moving in; perch and bluegill fair.
• Muskegon Lake: Jigging and pier casting for salmon; perch scattered.
• Fremont Lake: Panfish bite strong; bass on soft plastics.
• Hesperia / White River Ponds: Bluegill and crappie on worms.
Harrison & Clare Area
• Bud Lake: Panfish on crawlers and slip bobbers.
• Sutherland Lake: Bluegill steady; bass fair.
• Arnold Lake: Walleye hit or miss; perch showing.
• Lake Thirteen: Panfish active.
• Lake George: Bass and bluegill steady; pike occasional.
• Shingle Lake: Panfish good; bass moderate.
Gladwin County
• Secord Lake: Panfish and bass steady.
• Wiggins Lake: Bluegill on crawlers.
• Sugar Springs (Lake Lancer): Perch and bluegill active.
• Small lakes across Gladwin: steady panfish bite.
Northeast Michigan
• Hubbard Lake: Walleye and smallmouth on points.
• Fletcher Pond: Pike and bass fair.
• Grand Lake: Smallmouth and perch decent.
• Long Lake (Alpena): Walleye and perch bite improving.
Mid-Michigan
• Houghton Lake: Walleye on crawler harnesses, panfish steady.
• Lake St. Helen: Bass and panfish active near weeds.
• Lake Missaukee: Panfish on crawlers; bass fair.
• Lake Cadillac & Mitchell: Bass and pike steady; perch scattered.
South 131 Corridor (Bristol → Greenville)
• Bristol Lake: Panfish and bass.
• Greenville Area Ponds: Bluegill good on worms.
⸻
🐟 Rivers & Runs
• Bear River (Petoskey): Salmon starting to nose in.
• Elk River (Elk Rapids): Atlantics and kings staging.
• Boardman River: Cold snap pushing early salmon.
• Platte River: Salmon building at mouth.
• Betsie River: Early kings moving upstream.
• Manistee River / Tippy Dam: Steady trout and salmon action.
• Pere Marquette River: Kings trickling in.
• White River (Hesperia): Salmon beginning to show.
⸻
Upper Peninsula
(Condensed tonight – will expand county by county next week)
• Lake Gogebic: Walleye and perch steady.
• Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth hot.
• Little Bay de Noc: Walleye picking up on crawlers.
• Lake Michigamme: Pike and bass decent.
• Portage Lake (Houghton): Perch fair, walleye scattered.
• Indian Lake (Schoolcraft): Panfish steady.
• Tahquamenon River: Pike and walleye active.
• Munising Bay: Salmon staging.
• Keweenaw Bay: Trout and salmon bite strong.
• Lake Fanny Hooe: Trout steady.
⸻
🎯 Live Bait Tips
• Crawlers: Cooler water means crawlers are still a go-to, especially for walleye at dawn/dusk.
• Minnows: Growing stronger for perch and crappie; preferred over leeches now.
• Worms/Waxworms: Still effective for bluegill and panfish under bobbers.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it’s usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it’s been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-28-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
ON-SITE UPDATE. North winds turned Lake Michigan overnight; surface water is cold after turnover and there is no distinct thermal line. Salmon are staging tight to pier heads and harbor mouths — check pier-heads and docklines first light.
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~27% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:29–06:29 AM. Minor Bite Window One (ET): 11:22 AM–12:22 PM. Minor Bite Window Two (ET): 09:57–10:57 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Cooler false-fall pattern with mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies. Highs in the mid-60s. North to NW winds 10–20 mph with gusts in exposed spots; expect choppy nearshore water after the wind shift.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Salmon staging at pier heads and harbor mouths; spoons, plugs and meat rigs with herring strips working in low light.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho both offshore and right around piers; spoons and flasher/fly combos 80–150 ft plus pier-head plug presentations.
LUDINGTON. Pier heads and just outside producing — spoons first light, then meat rigs and plugs as the day warms.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips in low light and checks at the piers.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches near structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LAKE. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore and in harbor mouths; spoons and plugs best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft, with many fish showing near piers in the harbors.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; boats and pier anglers both reporting action at pier heads.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; check sunrise meat rigs and pier mouths.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
Perch Report — Key Spots (updated tactics: MINNOWS first, DROP-SHOT + crawler chunk second)
WHITE LAKE. Perch on shallow flats and weed edges in 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip bobbers are the go-to, with short DROP-SHOT rigs tipped with a crawler chunk as the follow-up.
PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines in 6–15 ft; MINNOWS under slip bobbers first; DROP-SHOT crawlers if fish key on structure.
PM LAKE. Perch in shallow coves and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs are top choice, DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk works when fish are finicky.
MANISTEE LAKE. Perch near inlets and docks 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and micro perch rigs are most consistent; try DROP-SHOT crawlers as a follow-up.
PORTAGE LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–16 ft; MINNOWS on a short leader under a slip or float, or DROP-SHOT with a crawler chunk.
CRYSTAL LAKE. Perch on rocky drop-offs and weed patches in 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs; DROP-SHOT crawlers when bites slow.
BIG GLEN. Perch near shorelines and shallow points 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and short DROP-SHOTs tipped with crawler chunks.
NORTHPORT. Perch around slow flats and docks 4–10 ft; tiny perch rigs with MINNOWS or small slip-bobbers early and late.
BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the boat launch, breakwall and nearshore structure 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders under floats or small dropshots with a minnow.
SKEGEMOG LAKE. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS or DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk.
TORCH LAKE. Perch on shallower structure and ledges 10–25 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or short DROP-SHOTs with crawler chunk.
BURT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip floats; DROP-SHOT crawlers for tougher bites.
BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small plastics; use DROP-SHOT crawlers if needed.
OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays and state-park point 8–15 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs under a float.
MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and shallow humps 8–18 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small DROP-SHOT spoons tipped with a minnow.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders or micro spoons with a minnow as follow-up.
Perch Tackle Notes (publishable line)
Best bet — MINNOWS on perch rigs or SLIP BOBBERS. Second choice — DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk. Hardly any spoons used right now; preserved wigglers are a backup. Live wigglers available after 09-01-2025.
Top 10 UP Hotspots
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye and perch producing near Black Bottom and the Ford River; troll crawler harnesses for walleye and micro jigs for perch.
MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND. Lake trout and occasional salmon around reefs and ledges; troll spoons and fish 60–150 ft.
MARQUETTE. Lake trout holding on steep drop-offs; run spoons and flasher/fly rigs in deep water.
KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR. Lake trout and salmon around rocky points; deep jigging and trolling spoons near structure.
ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC. Walleye and smallmouth around river mouths and shoals; crawler harnesses and live bait producing.
ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE. Strong river-mouth and current-seam action for salmon/steelhead; spawn/egg rigs and small jigs working eddies.
PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS. Lake trout and salmon activity around the entry and islands; troll spoons and deep jigging in current seams.
TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS. Walleye and panfish on weedlines and points; crawler rigs, live minnows and micro jigs productive.
DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX. Smallmouth and walleye around rocky points and islands; plastics and slow-trolled crankbaits working.
AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA. Lake trout, walleye and perch around points and narrows; spoons, crawler harnesses and small spoons for perch.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows; steelhead and lake-run trout in deeper pools and tailrace — spawn and small beads working.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs staging fish — eggs and spawn under a float effective.
MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate — deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon & steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near bottom getting bites.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low/clear flows; small jigs and spawn presentations near riffles producing.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low/clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs producing.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and give subtle rod-tip shakes so the bait hovers just above weeds or rock.
Tight lines and Baitman out
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fishing Report — 08-27-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~14% illum). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 4:29 AM – 6:29 AM and 4:44 PM – 6:44 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 11:22 AM – 12:22 PM and 9:57 PM – 10:57 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Partly sunny with a cooler false-fall pattern; highs mid-60s to low-70s and light northwest winds 5–12 mph. Expect spotty showers possible in some areas this afternoon/evening.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing in deeper water; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers are producing.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in the 80–150 ft range working well.
LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from about 30–100 ft depending on current.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips getting bites at low light.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches around structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing hits.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons then meat rigs later.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips working.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows and fair clarity — steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and the tailrace; spawn and small beads working.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows — tailwaters and runs staging early salmon and steelhead; eggs and spawn under a float producing.
MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate — deeper runs and pools holding salmon/steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure effective.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish — drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near the bottom getting bites.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clear flows — try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low/clear — fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns working best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear — trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes; beads and eggs getting bites.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep it hovering just above cover.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-26-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~6% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): ~2:44 AM – 4:44 AM and ~3:04 PM – 5:04 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): ~9:49 AM – 10:49 AM and ~9:06 PM – 10:06 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Cooler “false-fall” pattern continues with mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies, spotty showers possible in places, and daytime highs in the mid-60s. Light northwest winds 5–15 mph; calmer in protected bays.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers producing.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos 80–150 ft are working.
LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from 30–100 ft depending on currents.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips best at low light.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes taking crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches near structure early.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers around rock edges.
BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft.
FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs proving productive.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft with morning spoons and midday meat rigs.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips working.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows — steelhead and lake-run trout holding pools and tailrace; spawn and small beads working well.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows — tailwaters and runs staging fish; eggs and spawn under a float producing bites.
MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate — deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon & steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish — drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations effective near the bottom.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows — try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear — fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear flows — trout and staging steelhead in deep holes; beads and eggs getting bites.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep it hovering above weeds/rock.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Josh Johnson!!!
While fishing with his oldest brother, Isaac ,Josh had fun catching fish , Isaac was good at netting his fish plus driving the boat.The two had alot fun and making great. memories.
Taking after Grandpa” Gary Johnson “and their Dad, Mitch. I’m sure Gary’s enjoying watching them from Heaven plus I’m excited watching them enjoying the great outdoors .
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Bait Man here — salmon are stacking up in Michigan harbors, and vertical jigging is the hottest way to catch them right now. The setup is simple: a 7–8 foot medium-heavy rod, a 3000–4000 reel, 20–30 lb braid, and a 12–16 lb fluorocarbon leader.
The best jigs this season are Buzz Bombs, EJ Vertical Jigging Spoons, Aerojig Marabou Jigs, P-Line Laser Minnows (1–2 oz), Laker Takers, Swedish Pimple #9, Luna Baits, and the AW Salmon Slammer. Work them vertical with a sharp lift and controlled drop — most kings hit on the fall.
Prime glow colors are chartreuse, green, hot pink, and white. For extra attraction, tip your jig with a small piece of cured skein and add a drizzle of herring oil. Focus on harbor mouths, marinas, and river inflows like manistee lake, pm lake, bestie bay, especially at dawn or dusk.
👉 For full statewide coverage with 50+ lakes and salmon intel, check out my Facebook page: Uncle Buck the Bait Man
Fish smart, jig precise, and take advantage of staging kings. Tight lines… Bait Man out.
#hotbite60 #salmonfishing #michiganfishing #lakemichiganfishing #jigging #buzzbomb #fishingtips #fishingreport #hookandpaddle #baitman #greatlakesfishing #harborsalmon #VerticalJigging
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-25-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~6% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 2:03–4:03 AM and 2:23–4:23 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 8:46–9:46 AM and 8:48–9:48 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Mostly cloudy with spotty showers possible this afternoon and evening. HIGHS mid-60s. LIGHT northwest winds 5–15 mph.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing in deeper water; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers working best.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in the 80–150 ft range producing fish.
LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from about 30–100 ft depending on current.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips are getting bites in low light.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches along structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing consistent hookups.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best during early light.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons then meat rigs during the day.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows; steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and tailrace; spawn and small beads producing.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs are staging fish — eggs and spawn under a float effective.
MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate flows; deeper runs and pools holding salmon and steelhead — spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations close to the bottom are getting bites.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows; try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles for early pushes.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks with steadier flows holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns work best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs producing.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep the bait hovering.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #fishingreport #tightlines
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it’s usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it’s been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
August 24, 2025 – Baldwin Bait & Tackle – Pere Marquette River, Michigan
August 24, 2025 – Baldwin Bait & Tackle – Pere Marquette River, Michigan
fishbaldwin.com
Well, per usual, I managed to get myself sick either during or right after my return home from a fantastic trip to Alaska and the result is that anyone with stock in Alka-Seltzer cold and flu plus and…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
THICK! 🤯 Get Addicted. Get Fish. 👊
📸 Mark Coss – Thanks for sharing! Great fish!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🔥 Wowsers! That’s a HAUL! No need for the gym when you’re lifting this cooler of JUMBOS! 🏋️
Gear up for summer & fall perch season! 👇
fishingaddictiongear.com/collections/perch-rigs-and-sinkers
📸 Bruce Schaefer – Great job! 👊 Thanks for sharing!
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Tangled Tackle Co.
www.facebook.com
Tangled Tackle Company is Michigan’s Premier Retailer of Great Lakes Salmon Tackle0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Description:
Bait Man here — late August means the bluegill bite is on in Michigan. Big gills are sliding deeper, holding on weed edges, brush piles, docks, and submerged timber in 10–20 feet of water. Mornings and evenings are prime time.
Slip bobbers keep worms, waxworms, or crickets suspended just above the weeds, while drop shot rigs shine when fish push deeper near the thermocline. Ultralight rods, 2–6 lb line, and small hooks make all the difference — bluegills bite light and you’ve got to be quick on the hookset.
If they’re not biting, move until you find the school. Bluegills travel in groups, and once you’re on them, the action heats up fast. Fish smart, fish slow, and enjoy some of the best panfish action of summer. Tight lines… Bait Man out.
#HotBite60 #BluegillFishing #Panfish #FishingTips #KayakFishing #FishingReport #MichiganFishing #FishingLife #LiveBaitFishing #HookAndPaddle #FishingCommunity #BaitMan
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Bucs Fishing Report — 08-24-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~2% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 1:20 AM – 3:20 AM and 1:40 PM – 3:40 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): ~7:40 AM – 8:40 AM and ~8:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Mostly cloudy to partly sunny with a cooldown in place; highs around the mid-60s and cool mornings in the 50s. Expect a chance of showers this evening and light northwest winds 5–15 mph.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho active early; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers are producing.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho taking spoons and flasher/fly combos in deeper water; try 80–150 ft and check structure.
LUDINGTON. Reports of good salmon action; spoons early then meat rigs later depending on current.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips producing in low light.
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes biting crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches around structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LAKE. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best during early light.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs working.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons and midday meat rigs.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 20 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LAKE ST. HELEN. Walleye and perch at dawn and dusk on slip-bobber minnows.
LAKE CADILLAC. Walleyes feeding on crawlers and leeches around humps.
LAKE MITCHELL. Panfish and bass steady on worms and waxworms.
LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and bass on crawlers under bobbers.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
SPIDER LAKE. Pike and panfish on leeches under floats.
LAKE SKEGEMOG. Bass and perch on crawler harnesses in channels.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
OTSEGO LAKE. Walleye fair on crawler harnesses and leeches.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
GRAND LAKE (ALPENA). Smallmouth and walleye on crawlers.
LAKE MARGRETHE. Walleye and smallmouth on leeches and crawlers.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
TORCH & SKEGEMOG CHANNELS. Panfish and bass on live bait.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows; steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and tailraces — spawn and small beads working well.
BETSY RIVER. Low to moderate flows; tailwaters and runs staging early salmon and steelhead — eggs and spawn under a float producing bites.
MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate flows; deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon and steelhead — spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure effective.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near the bottom producing.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows; try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles for early pushes.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks with steady flows holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies working.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.
PETOSKEY AREA STREAMS. Low, clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs getting bites.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18 inches with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and give subtle rod-tip shakes to keep the bait hovering above weeds or rock.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Bait Man here — late August is prime time for perch to start schooling up and chasing minows in Michigan. In this Hot 60 I break down the best late-summer strategies: target weed beds, drop-offs, rocky humps, and sand-to-weed transitions. Start shallow early and late in 10–15 feet, then slide deeper into 20–40 feet when the sun is high. Use electronics to locate schools and don’t waste time unless you’re marking fish.
Perch bite light, so grab your most sensitive bobber and set the hook quick. Best baits this time of year include minnows, preserved wigglers, crawler chunks, waxworks or spikes, and small vertical spoons. Biggest perch usually bite at dawn and dusk, so be ready.
👉 For full reports on 50+ lakes, plus weekly kayak fishing coverage, check out the Hook & Paddle Weekly Kayak Report and my daily fishing updates on Facebook: Uncle Buck the Bait Man
Fish smart, move often, and stay on structure. Tight lines… Bait Man out.
#HotBite60 #PerchFishing #MichiganFishing #JumboPerch #FishingTips #LiveBaitFishing #HookAndPaddle #KayakFishing #FishingReport #NorthernMichiganFishing #FishingCommunity #FishingLife #PerchRig #BaitMan
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it’s usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it’s been deleted.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-23-2025
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. NEW MOON (~0% ILLUM). MAJOR BITE WINDOW (ET): 12:59 PM – 2:59 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 6:33 AM – 7:33 AM and 8:10 PM – 9:10 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with highs in the mid-60s and cool mornings in the upper 50s. Light northwest winds 5–12 mph; calmer in protected bays.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho active early; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers are producing.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho showing offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in 80–150 ft are working.
LUDINGTON. Spoons at first light and meat rigs later — fish from roughly 30–100 ft depending on currents.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips work best in low light.
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes responding to crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches around structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges and reefs.
BURT LAKE. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing consistent hookups.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs are best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–70 ft with morning spoons and midday meat rigs.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down in deeper water; sunrise meat rigs producing early.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 20 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LAKE ST. HELEN. Walleye and perch at dawn/dusk on slip-bobber minnows.
LAKE CADILLAC. Walleyes feeding on crawlers and leeches around humps.
LAKE MITCHELL. Panfish and bass steady on worms and waxworms.
LAKE MISSAUKEE. Bluegill and bass on crawlers under bobbers.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
SPIDER LAKE. Pike and panfish on leeches under floats.
LAKE SKEGEMOG. Bass and perch on crawler harnesses in channels.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
OTSEGO LAKE. Walleye fair on crawler harnesses and leeches.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
GRAND LAKE (ALPENA). Smallmouth and walleye on crawlers.
LAKE MARGRETHE. Walleye and smallmouth on leeches and crawlers.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
TORCH & SKEGEMOG CHANNELS. Panfish and bass on live bait.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right Now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate, clear flows; steelhead and lake-run trout holding in deeper pools and tailraces; spawn and small beads producing.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs staging early salmon and steelhead; eggs and spawn under a float effective.
MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate flows; deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon and steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near the bottom producing.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clearer flows; try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles for early steelhead/coho pushes.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks with moderate flows holding steelhead; eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing takes.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear with fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns working best.
PETOSKEY AREA STREAMS. Low, clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs getting bites.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18 inches with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and give subtle rod-tip shakes to keep the bait hovering above weeds or rock.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightline
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
We will have updated fishing report in Northern Michigan along with photos. Please post your catch
Attention All Mariners 0 CommentsComment on Facebook
⸻ 2 CommentsComment on Facebook
This content isn't available right now 0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc’s Fishing Report — 08-28-2025 1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fishing Report — 08-27-2025 3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Buc's Northern Michigan Fishing Report
See the below information for regulations pertaining to the Pere Marquette Lake and Ludington Harbor Ship Channel.
🎣 Michigan Weekly Fishing Report
🗓️ Thursday, August 28, 2025
Presented by Bait Man
⸻
🥁 Bait Man’s Beat
Late August in Michigan always feels like the hinge of the season. One week we’re sweating under stubborn summer heat, and the next a cold front sweeps through, dropping temps into the forties and fogging the lakes at dawn. This week was exactly that kind of week. Anglers saw mornings with their breath rising over the water, a sure sign that change is in the air—and the fish responded.
On the big lake, salmon have finally begun staging in earnest. Frankfort Harbor, Manistee Lake, White Lake, and the piers from Ludington to Muskegon are alive with kings pushing shallow. Early and late, spoons and plugs are still flying off the piers, but more and more anglers are turning to vertical jigging. Swedish Pimples, P-Line Laser Minnows, and the new Ziggy jig are producing fish straight under the boat. Add a sliver of Familiar Bite herring to a jig and it’s game on. For smaller boats and kayaks, jigging in the harbors is leveling the playing field—you don’t need downriggers and 200 feet of cable to find action right now.
Inland waters felt the cold snap too. Bass and walleye pulled tighter to structure, sliding off weed edges into 15–30 feet of water. On Long Lake and Torch Lake, sharp-shooting with jigs and crawlers over humps and gravel beds produced steady walleye. Smallmouth are cruising deeper points and ledges; while they’ll still rise to a topwater in low light, finesse rigs like a Ned or tube dragged on rock piles are putting more fish in the boat.
Panfish are in transition mode as well. Bluegills and perch pushed deeper, holding on weed lines or suspending near brush piles. A chunk of crawler on a drop shot or slip bobber is still the go-to, but minnows are beginning to take the lead, especially for perch. Reports of a few early migratory perch are trickling in from the drowned river mouths, a sign of what’s coming once the salmon finish their run.
The weather, the moon, and the calendar are all lining up for a classic Labor Day weekend bite. Early mornings and late evenings will be prime. Keep a crawler box, a bucket of minnows, and a pack of glow spoons in your arsenal—because whether you’re on a northern inland lake or standing on a Lake Michigan pier, the fish are moving, and this is the week they’re letting you know summer’s grip is slipping.
⸻
💥 Sponsor of the Week
Jay’s Sporting Goods – Gaylord, MI
📍 1151 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
📞 (989) 705-1339 • 🌐 jayssportinggoods.com
Jay’s is Northern Michigan’s go-to outfitter for serious anglers. Loaded with rods, reels, electronics, and live bait, Jay’s is the one-stop before you hit the inland lakes or Lake Michigan.
⸻
🧃 Bait Shop of the Week
Roy’s General Store – Traverse City, MI
📍 963 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686
📞 (231) 946-5633
Roy’s is the trusted local bait hub for East and West Bay anglers. Fresh crawlers, leeches, minnows, and the new hot jigs are all in stock—plus, the latest on where salmon and perch are biting.
⸻
🐟 Lake of the Week – Long Lake (Traverse City)
Where the Fish Are
• Humps & Edges: Bass and walleye concentrate around underwater humps and slopes.
• Transition Zones: Flats connected to humps are ambush areas for smallmouth.
• Late August Bite: Bass slide deeper, walleye feed early and late on the slopes, perch are holding off weed beds.
Top Techniques
• Bass: Dropshot rigs, Ned rigs, and tube baits along rocky humps. Topwaters at dawn/dusk.
• Walleye: Vertical jigging with crawlers or minnows, trolling crankbaits and harnesses, slip floats with leeches.
• General Tips: Quiet approach with electric motors, use electronics to map humps, best action early and late in the day.
⸻
🐟 Lake Michigan Salmon Report (Charlevoix → Grand Haven)
• Charlevoix: Kings staging outside the channel, 70–120 feet on plugs and spoons, pier anglers scoring on glow spoons at dawn.
• Grand Traverse Bay (East/West): Vertical jigging hot for salmon; Ziggy jigs and Pimples tipped with Familiar Bite herring are top baits. Trophy smallmouth also active near Elk Rapids.
• Frankfort: Salmon stacked at the pier head and Platte Bay. Jigging Swedish Pimples, P-Line Laser Minnows, and Ziggy jigs is on fire.
• Onekama / Portage Lake: Jigging reports strong; kings in 80–120 feet outside the channel.
• Manistee: Salmon thick in Manistee Lake and harbor; spoons at first light, jigging popular inside.
• Ludington: Pier bite heating up with glow spoons and skein. Trollers still taking fish 50–90 feet on plugs and meat rigs.
• Pentwater / White Lake: Kings staging inside White Lake—vertical jigging dominates. Pier anglers casting glow spoons also reporting solid catches.
• Muskegon / Whitehall: Most action right off the piers; kings on plugs and skein. Smaller boats doing well jigging inside the harbors.
• Grand Haven: Pier fishing active; salmon taking spoons and spawn bags in low light.
⸻
📍 Regional Inland Lake Reports
Lakes North of M-72 (Antrim, Otsego, Cheboygan, Charlevoix)
• Torch Lake: Lake trout and Atlantics deep, perch and smallmouth active near gravel and points.
• Lake Charlevoix: Bass and walleye strong around Ironton Cove humps; perch showing along weed lines.
• Burt Lake: Walleye on crawlers near drop-offs; perch scattered but improving.
• Mullett Lake: Smallmouth active on rocky points; walleye deeper.
• Black Lake: Pike steady on spinnerbaits; perch on crawlers in 10–15 feet.
• Otsego Lake: Walleye still on slip bobbers with leeches; bass holding on deeper weeds.
• Douglas Lake: Panfish and bass steady on weed lines.
Northwest Lakes (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason)
• Lake Leelanau: Walleye bite continues with crawlers in 20–30 feet; perch starting to group up.
• Glen Lake: Smallmouth active on rocky points; perch fair on minnows.
• Boardman Lake: Bluegill and crappie on worms and slip bobbers near docks.
• Spider Lake: Bass holding tight to cover, bluegill on crawlers.
• Green Lake: Perch on minnows, walleye scattered deeper.
• Crystal Lake (Benzie): Lakers still deep; smallmouth and perch improving near weed lines.
• Hamlin Lake (Mason): Walleye at dusk on crawlers; panfish steady.
• PM Lake (Ludington): Jigging for salmon inside hot; perch along edges on minnows.
South of US-10, North of I-96
• Silver Lake: Bass in shallows, panfish off weeds on crawlers.
• Pentwater Lake: Salmon moving in; perch and bluegill fair.
• Muskegon Lake: Jigging and pier casting for salmon; perch scattered.
• Fremont Lake: Panfish bite strong; bass on soft plastics.
• Hesperia / White River Ponds: Bluegill and crappie on worms.
Harrison & Clare Area
• Bud Lake: Panfish on crawlers and slip bobbers.
• Sutherland Lake: Bluegill steady; bass fair.
• Arnold Lake: Walleye hit or miss; perch showing.
• Lake Thirteen: Panfish active.
• Lake George: Bass and bluegill steady; pike occasional.
• Shingle Lake: Panfish good; bass moderate.
Gladwin County
• Secord Lake: Panfish and bass steady.
• Wiggins Lake: Bluegill on crawlers.
• Sugar Springs (Lake Lancer): Perch and bluegill active.
• Small lakes across Gladwin: steady panfish bite.
Northeast Michigan
• Hubbard Lake: Walleye and smallmouth on points.
• Fletcher Pond: Pike and bass fair.
• Grand Lake: Smallmouth and perch decent.
• Long Lake (Alpena): Walleye and perch bite improving.
Mid-Michigan
• Houghton Lake: Walleye on crawler harnesses, panfish steady.
• Lake St. Helen: Bass and panfish active near weeds.
• Lake Missaukee: Panfish on crawlers; bass fair.
• Lake Cadillac & Mitchell: Bass and pike steady; perch scattered.
South 131 Corridor (Bristol → Greenville)
• Bristol Lake: Panfish and bass.
• Greenville Area Ponds: Bluegill good on worms.
⸻
🐟 Rivers & Runs
• Bear River (Petoskey): Salmon starting to nose in.
• Elk River (Elk Rapids): Atlantics and kings staging.
• Boardman River: Cold snap pushing early salmon.
• Platte River: Salmon building at mouth.
• Betsie River: Early kings moving upstream.
• Manistee River / Tippy Dam: Steady trout and salmon action.
• Pere Marquette River: Kings trickling in.
• White River (Hesperia): Salmon beginning to show.
⸻
Upper Peninsula
(Condensed tonight – will expand county by county next week)
• Lake Gogebic: Walleye and perch steady.
• Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth hot.
• Little Bay de Noc: Walleye picking up on crawlers.
• Lake Michigamme: Pike and bass decent.
• Portage Lake (Houghton): Perch fair, walleye scattered.
• Indian Lake (Schoolcraft): Panfish steady.
• Tahquamenon River: Pike and walleye active.
• Munising Bay: Salmon staging.
• Keweenaw Bay: Trout and salmon bite strong.
• Lake Fanny Hooe: Trout steady.
⸻
🎯 Live Bait Tips
• Crawlers: Cooler water means crawlers are still a go-to, especially for walleye at dawn/dusk.
• Minnows: Growing stronger for perch and crappie; preferred over leeches now.
• Worms/Waxworms: Still effective for bluegill and panfish under bobbers.
Prepared by: BaitMan
ON-SITE UPDATE. North winds turned Lake Michigan overnight; surface water is cold after turnover and there is no distinct thermal line. Salmon are staging tight to pier heads and harbor mouths — check pier-heads and docklines first light.
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~27% illum). Major Bite Window (ET): 04:29–06:29 AM. Minor Bite Window One (ET): 11:22 AM–12:22 PM. Minor Bite Window Two (ET): 09:57–10:57 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Cooler false-fall pattern with mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies. Highs in the mid-60s. North to NW winds 10–20 mph with gusts in exposed spots; expect choppy nearshore water after the wind shift.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Salmon staging at pier heads and harbor mouths; spoons, plugs and meat rigs with herring strips working in low light.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho both offshore and right around piers; spoons and flasher/fly combos 80–150 ft plus pier-head plug presentations.
LUDINGTON. Pier heads and just outside producing — spoons first light, then meat rigs and plugs as the day warms.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips in low light and checks at the piers.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches near structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LAKE. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore and in harbor mouths; spoons and plugs best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft, with many fish showing near piers in the harbors.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; boats and pier anglers both reporting action at pier heads.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips effective.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; check sunrise meat rigs and pier mouths.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
Perch Report — Key Spots (updated tactics: MINNOWS first, DROP-SHOT + crawler chunk second)
WHITE LAKE. Perch on shallow flats and weed edges in 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip bobbers are the go-to, with short DROP-SHOT rigs tipped with a crawler chunk as the follow-up.
PENTWATER LAKE. Perch around docks and weedlines in 6–15 ft; MINNOWS under slip bobbers first; DROP-SHOT crawlers if fish key on structure.
PM LAKE. Perch in shallow coves and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs are top choice, DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk works when fish are finicky.
MANISTEE LAKE. Perch near inlets and docks 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and micro perch rigs are most consistent; try DROP-SHOT crawlers as a follow-up.
PORTAGE LAKE. Perch on weed edges 8–16 ft; MINNOWS on a short leader under a slip or float, or DROP-SHOT with a crawler chunk.
CRYSTAL LAKE. Perch on rocky drop-offs and weed patches in 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs; DROP-SHOT crawlers when bites slow.
BIG GLEN. Perch near shorelines and shallow points 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and short DROP-SHOTs tipped with crawler chunks.
NORTHPORT. Perch around slow flats and docks 4–10 ft; tiny perch rigs with MINNOWS or small slip-bobbers early and late.
BOWERS HARBOR. Perch around the boat launch, breakwall and nearshore structure 6–12 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders under floats or small dropshots with a minnow.
SKEGEMOG LAKE. Perch on weed edges and narrows 6–15 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS or DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk.
TORCH LAKE. Perch on shallower structure and ledges 10–25 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or short DROP-SHOTs with crawler chunk.
BURT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and humps 8–18 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or slip floats; DROP-SHOT crawlers for tougher bites.
BLACK LAKE. Perch on flats and weed cuts 6–12 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small plastics; use DROP-SHOT crawlers if needed.
OTSEGO LAKE. Perch near shallow bays and state-park point 8–15 ft; MINNOWS on perch rigs or tiny jigs under a float.
MULLETT LAKE. Perch on weed edges and shallow humps 8–18 ft; slip-bobber MINNOWS and small DROP-SHOT spoons tipped with a minnow.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Perch along rockpiles and docklines 6–14 ft; MINNOWS on short leaders or micro spoons with a minnow as follow-up.
Perch Tackle Notes (publishable line)
Best bet — MINNOWS on perch rigs or SLIP BOBBERS. Second choice — DROP-SHOT with crawler chunk. Hardly any spoons used right now; preserved wigglers are a backup. Live wigglers available after 09-01-2025.
Top 10 UP Hotspots
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye and perch producing near Black Bottom and the Ford River; troll crawler harnesses for walleye and micro jigs for perch.
MUNISING / GRAND ISLAND. Lake trout and occasional salmon around reefs and ledges; troll spoons and fish 60–150 ft.
MARQUETTE. Lake trout holding on steep drop-offs; run spoons and flasher/fly rigs in deep water.
KEWEENAW / COPPER HARBOR. Lake trout and salmon around rocky points; deep jigging and trolling spoons near structure.
ESCANABA / BIG BAY DE NOC. Walleye and smallmouth around river mouths and shoals; crawler harnesses and live bait producing.
ST. MARYS RIVER / SAULT STE. MARIE. Strong river-mouth and current-seam action for salmon/steelhead; spawn/egg rigs and small jigs working eddies.
PORTAGE ENTRY / GRAND MARAIS. Lake trout and salmon activity around the entry and islands; troll spoons and deep jigging in current seams.
TAHQUAMENON BAY / RIVER MOUTHS. Walleye and panfish on weedlines and points; crawler rigs, live minnows and micro jigs productive.
DRUMMOND ISLAND / LES CHENEUX. Smallmouth and walleye around rocky points and islands; plastics and slow-trolled crankbaits working.
AU TRAIN / FORD RIVER AREA. Lake trout, walleye and perch around points and narrows; spoons, crawler harnesses and small spoons for perch.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows; steelhead and lake-run trout in deeper pools and tailrace — spawn and small beads working.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows; tailwaters and runs staging fish — eggs and spawn under a float effective.
MANISTEE RIVER. Tippy Dam area moving moderate — deeper runs and pool heads holding salmon & steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure working.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish; drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near bottom getting bites.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low/clear flows; small jigs and spawn presentations near riffles producing.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low and clear; fish tight to cover — short leaders and egg/pearl patterns best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low/clear flows; trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes — beads, eggs and small nymphs producing.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and give subtle rod-tip shakes so the bait hovers just above weeds or rock.
Tight lines and Baitman out
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines
Prepared by: BaitMan
Moon & Solunar Bites. WAXING CRESCENT (~14% illum). MAJOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 4:29 AM – 6:29 AM and 4:44 PM – 6:44 PM. MINOR BITE WINDOWS (ET): 11:22 AM – 12:22 PM and 9:57 PM – 10:57 PM.
Weather Brief — Northern Michigan. Partly sunny with a cooler false-fall pattern; highs mid-60s to low-70s and light northwest winds 5–12 mph. Expect spotty showers possible in some areas this afternoon/evening.
Hot Seven Bites
FRANKFORT. Chinook and coho showing in deeper water; spoons, meat rigs and herring strips behind medium flashers are producing.
MANISTEE. Kings and coho offshore; spoons and flasher/fly combos in the 80–150 ft range working well.
LUDINGTON. Early spoons then meat rigs later — fish from about 30–100 ft depending on current.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips getting bites at low light.
HOUGHTON LK. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches around structure at dawn.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX. Smallmouth and walleye on drop-shot crawlers along rock edges.
BURT LK. Walleye steady on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
Salmon Report — Charlevoix to Grand Haven
CHARLEVOIX. Chinook and lake trout 50–90 ft; herring strips behind flashers producing hits.
WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Kings and lake trout 40–70 ft on spoons and meat rigs.
EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY. Lake trout steady; kings taking spoons 40–65 ft near bait pods.
FRANKFORT. Chinook/coho holding offshore; spoons and meat rigs best early.
MANISTEE. Chinook, coho and lake trout 80–150 ft; spoons and flasher/fly rigs producing.
LUDINGTON. Kings and coho 30–100 ft; morning spoons then meat rigs later.
WHITEHALL. Kings and steelhead 40–60 ft; glow spoons and herring strips working.
GRAND HAVEN. Kings holding 60–100 ft down; sunrise meat rigs producing early.
Inland & M-1 Lakes — Top 10 Highlights
HOUGHTON LAKE. Walleyes on crawler harnesses and drop-shot leeches.
LONG LAKE (TRAVERSE CITY). Smallmouth on drop-shot rigs with crawlers.
TORCH LAKE. Smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows over deep structure.
LAKE CHARLEVOIX (inland). Perch and smallmouth on small jigs and minnows.
BURT LAKE. Walleye on crawler harnesses and drifted minnows.
MULLETT LAKE. Walleye and perch on live minnows and crawlers.
BLACK LAKE. Perch and walleye early on live bait rigs.
PORTAGE LAKE (ONEKAMA). Walleye and perch 18–25 ft.
ELK LAKE. Deep smallmouth and lake trout on drop-shot minnows.
LITTLE BAY DE NOC. Walleye hot on crawlers and drop-shot leeches.
River Update — Right now (Salmon & Steelhead focus)
BOARDMAN RIVER. Moderate flows and fair clarity — steelhead and lake-run trout holding deeper pools and the tailrace; spawn and small beads working.
BETSY RIVER. Low–moderate flows — tailwaters and runs staging early salmon and steelhead; eggs and spawn under a float producing.
MANISTEE RIVER. TIPPY DAM area moving moderate — deeper runs and pools holding salmon/steelhead; spawn sacks, beads and small jigs near structure effective.
TIPPY DAM (WELLSTON). Tailrace and lower pools holding fish — drift spawn and small stripped-minnow presentations near the bottom getting bites.
PENTWATER RIVER. Low, clear flows — try spawn presentations and small jigs near riffles.
WHITE RIVER. Pockets and cut banks holding steelhead — eggs and small nymphs in eddies producing.
BEAR CREEK. Low/clear — fish tight to cover; short leaders and egg/pearl patterns working best.
PETOSKEY STREAMS. Low, clear — trout and staging steelhead in deeper holes; beads and eggs getting bites.
Familiar Bite Update. Herring strips behind medium flashers or paired with tuned meat rigs remain top producing salmon bait across the region.
Live Bait Pro Tip. Drop-shot leader 12–18” with crawlers or leeches; nose-hook the bait and use subtle rod-tip shakes to keep it hovering just above cover.
Tight lines and Baitman out.
#LiveBait #bucsbait #LiveBaitFishing #TakeAKidFishing #michiganfishingreport #bucsfishingreport #tightlines