Hook & Hunting: December 5 Weekly Fishing Report - Northern Michigan's News Leader

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA

Alpena:  Boat anglers are still taking whitefish in Thunder Bay however the peak of the action will soon be coming to an end.  

Thunder Bay River:  Shore anglers are catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout. Whitefish were still being caught up near the dam. Small perch were also reported down near the mouth.  

Oscoda:  Is producing steelhead and some whitefish for pier anglers.    

Au Sable River:  Steelhead are moving in and out of the river. Most of the fish caught were taken at Foot Dam and the mouth. Not many anglers have been fishing the holes between the dam and the mouth so it is hard to judge the number of fish in the river. Spawn seems to be working the best, but wax worms and body baits have also done well. The whitefish have slowed but those targeting them think they will still be coming in over the next few weeks.

Tawas:  Is still producing some whitefish and the occasional perch.  

Au Gres River:  Was producing some nice perch for those using minnows near the launch site at the mouth. Those fishing the channels have caught bluegills.

NORTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

Rain took out what little ice was starting to form so we are back to fall fishing.   

Boardman River:  Continues to produce steelhead for those using spawn and wax worms.  

Long Lake:  Has reports of anglers out targeting perch and walleye.  

Betsie River:  Should have more steelhead after the rain. Try fishing between the mouth and the Homestead Dam.  

Manistee:  Pier anglers and those surfcasting are catching steelhead on the right day depending on wind direction and speed.  

Manistee River:  Recent rain may have pushed more steelhead up into the river. Look for chrome colored fish between the mouth and Tippy Dam. While some are floating spawn others are fly fishing.  

Ludington:  Pier and surf anglers are catching steelhead. Try spawn, wax worms or body baits in the early morning or evening.      

Pere Marquette River:  May also have more steelhead that moved up into the river. Try floating spawn under a bobber or drifting egg flies.    

UPPER PENINSULA

Little Bay De Noc:  Both day and night anglers are catching walleye especially around the Second and Third Reefs. While some are trolling stick baits or thundersticks, others are jigging minnows and wax worms. Green, orange and silver are good color.