Hook & Hunting: December 20 Weekly Fishing Report - Northern Michigan's News Leader

NORTHEAST LOWER PENINSULA


Thunder Bay River: Has pretty good perch fishing though many are running small. Fish ranging seven to eight inches have been caught using ice jigs with wax worms or minnow rigs. The better fishing was off the 2nd Street Bridge, the River Walk both upstream and downstream of the 2nd Street Bridge and the gas dock in the marina. Some are also catching the occasional steelhead or brown trout.

Oscoda: Pier anglers are getting steelhead on spoons or body baits.

Au Sable River: Has a good number of steelhead between the mouth and Foote Dam. With a little effort, anglers are finding the spots producing the most fish. High Banks, the Boy Scout Camp and the Rea Road access sites have been active. Spawn is working best however try spoons or body baits at the mouth.

Houghton Lake: Has ice all the way across the lake however the ice is not safe. Those anxious to get out and do some fishing should stay in shallow waters only for safety reasons.

Au Gres River: Is still producing some perch although some were on the small side.


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.


UPPER PENINSULA


Newberry: Ice is forming on the inland lakes in the region however there is no safe ice yet. Deep snow from the upcoming storm will only insulate the ice and slow the freezing process.