Grand Haven: Pier and shore anglers caught a few steelhead on spawn. Anglers who were jigging in the channel reported catching a few lake trout.
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Grand Haven: Pier anglers reported catching a few steelhead when using spawn
Stream anglers should be aware of changes in steelhead regulations being discussed by the Natural Resource Commission (NRC). Please see the attached Nyberg amendment that was introduced at the October 12 meeting that calls for lower harvest limits year-round on several Lake Michigan streams. The amendment would reduce the steelhead harvest limit to 1 fish per day. Purposed restrictions on the Pere Marquette River would allow only 1 adipose fin clipped steelhead per/day. Please follow the link for more information. DNR Fisheries Division presentation to NRC: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/Boards/NRC/2023/September-2023/Steelhead.pdf Summary of presentation: • Survey results indicated anglers are highly satisfied with MI’s Steelhead fisheries and regulatory complexity. • Assessments indicate Steelhead are relatively stable after ecological changes • Abundance metrics • Catch rates metrics • Harvest is not perceived as high risk • High levels of voluntary release • Primary mechanisms influencing Steelhead population status • Ecological change – invasive mussels reducing productivity in Great Lakes • Predation • Access to suitable spawning habitat • Fisheries Division recommended retaining existing Steelhead regulations and also recognized the following: • There is an opportunity continue to collect information on the existing 1 fish regulation and reassess if changes are needed when the 2027 regulatory sunset approaches • The perceived benefit of restricted seasonal harvest wouldn’t be realized for several years • Survey results indicated anglers prefer ability for some level of harvest • Both the Division and the NRC recognize that steelhead are highly valued in Michigan and share the interest in maintaining strong steelhead populations and a strong fishery MUCC streaming of NRC meetings: https://www.facebook.com/mucc1937/ The August 10 NRC meeting, public comments regarding steelhead regulations begin at 1:05/hrs. The September 14 NRC meeting, the DNR Fisheries presentation begins at the 1-minute mark in morning session. Public comments regarding steelhead regulations begin at 18 minutes in afternoon session. The October 12 NRC meeting, public comment 1:09 afternoon session. Commissioner Nyberg reads amendment at 1:31 afternoon session. Amendment attached. Fisheries Division encourages you to provide your perspectives, questions, and comments on this issue to, NRC@michigan.gov, https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/boards/nrc/commissioner-names-and-contact-information Jay Wesley Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator Ph. 616-490-5090 wesleyj@michigan.gov
Muskegon: Boat anglers trolling for salmon found the action to be slow. A few immature salmon were caught 60 to 120 feet down in 100 to 175 feet of water. Using a white paddle with green or white flies was the bait of choice among anglers.
Grand Haven: Salmon action was slow for boat anglers. A few immature salmon were caught 75 to 120 feet down in 120 to 200 feet of water. Pier anglers also found the salmon action to be slow. A couple were caught early in the morning while casting glow spoons. Anglers reported that glow spoons and white paddle/flies worked well for salmon.
Grand Haven: Anglers who trolled near the pierheads reported slowed action due to the increased water temperatures. Boat anglers found a few salmon 60 to 120 feet down in 100 to 150 feet of water, with glow J-plugs and white flasher/flies working well. Pier anglers found the salmon action to be slow. A few salmon were caught while casting glow spoons early in the mornings.
Grand Haven: Boats trolling around the pierheads found the salmon action to be slow. The best action for salmon was 45 to 100 down in 90 to180 feet of water. Glow plugs, glow spoons and meat rigs all worked well. A few salmon were caught off the piers while casting glow spoons. Anglers casting jigs caught a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass. Some lake trout were found on bottom in 150 to 180 feet of water.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were finding the salmon to be scattered but good catches were reported. The best action was 40 to 90 down in 70 to 150 feet of water. Pier anglers who were casting spoons found the freshwater drum and salmon bite to be slow. Glow spoons and plugs worked well. The best bites occurred in the early morning and late evenings.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were catching decent numbers of Chinook salmon along with a few lake trout, coho salmon and steelhead. Salmon were caught 55 to100 down in 80 to 130 feet of water. Glow spoons, green meat rigs, and white flies were producing Chinook salmon. Pier anglers were catching a few freshwater drum while casting spoons. A few salmon were caught on glow plugs.
Fishing remains good off Grand Haven as increasing numbers of mature Kings are showing up. Best action has been in the first and last hours of daylight in 80 to 140 feet of water. Our most productive combo was the white fishscale paddle and Oceana fly fished 85 to 120 feet down on riggers. Various Dreamweaver and Moonshine glow spoons as well as green and white meat rigs fished off wire divers 160 to 240 back and coppers from from 225 to 400 feet were also productive.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were catching a mix bag of salmon and trout in 80 to 140 feet of water. Salmon were caught 60 to 120 feet down on orange or green spoons. Yellow or green meat rigs worked well. Lake trout were caught on bottom with yellow rotators and yellow Spin-N-Glos. The early morning bite was the best.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were catching a mix of salmon and trout 65 to 120 feet down in 130 to 220 feet of water. Yellow and green meat rigs were working well along with green flies. Glow spoons in low light conditions produced Chinook salmon.
Fishing off Grand Haven continues to be good with a mixed bag of KIngs, Cohoes, Steelhead and Lake Trout. Warm water temperatures have forced the fish deep and offshore. Glow spoons fished on 250 to 400 coppers and riggers set from 80 to 120 feet down in 120 to 200 feet of water have been productive. Water fleas are a problem fishing inside 100 fow. Harbor Island boat launch finally has 5 docks available but use extreme caution as the 3 inside docks do not have paved access and have very loose gravel fill. Watch water temperatures at the buoys as North winds will likely cool offshore waters in the coming week.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers were doing fair on Chinook salmon along with a few steelhead and lake trout. The best action was 50 to100 feet down in 100 to 180 feet of water. The pier action was slow for steelhead. A few freshwater drum were caught while casting spoons. Salmon anglers had their best luck on green or blue meat rigs along with glow spoons. The best bite was early in the morning and late in the evenings.
Muskegon: Pier anglers casting spoons were catching freshwater drum. Boat anglers trolling for salmon found the action to be slow. A few were caught 30 to 80 feet down in 80 to 150 feet of water. Anglers were catching salmon on blue and orange spoons along with green meat rigs.
Grand Haven: Pier anglers were catching freshwater drum while casting spoons or still fishing alewives on bottom. The steelhead action was slow. Boats trolling for salmon found the action to be fair. Salmon were caught 20 to 80 feet down in 80 to 160 feet of water. The action started to pick up on meat rigs and flies. Green or yellow meat rigs worked well along with blue and orange spoons.
Grand Haven: The salmon action was fair for boat anglers. Salmon were caught 35 to 90 down in 65 to 160 feet of water. Orange spoons worked well along with green or yellow meat rigs. Pier anglers were catching a few steelhead on shrimp under a bobber. Anglers casting spoons were catching freshwater drum.
Muskegon: Boat anglers were finding the salmon action to be slow. A few Chinook salmon were caught 30 to 100 down in 70 to 180 feet of water. Spoons in green and blue were producing salmon.
Grand Haven: Pier anglers were catching freshwater drum while casting silver spoons. A few steelhead were caught on alewife and shrimp. The salmon action was slow for boat anglers with the best action being 40 to 120 down in 80 to 180 feet of water. Green and orange spoons worked best for salmon. Green or white flies produced a few salmon while fishing deep in the water column.
Grand Haven: Good numbers of Chinook salmon were caught by boat anglers. Salmon were caught from the pierheads out to 180 feet of water. Pier anglers found the Chinook salmon and steelhead action to be slow. A few were caught on alewives. Salmon were caught 35 to 100 feet down on green and blue spoons. The morning bite was the best.
Repeated East and North winds have caused the Lake to "turn over" in the past few days. The result has been that subsurface water has cooled considerably and fish and bait have moved higher in the water column. Water temps as low as 39 degrees have been observed. Fishing remains very good with increasing numbers of Coho showing up along with Kings and Lake Trout. While blue and green remain the best colors, fish are being caught an spoons, flies, plugs and meat rigs. We caught fish on coppers, (150 to 300), divers (120 to 220 out) and riggers set from 45 to 75 feet down. Now is the time to go fishing!
Waters off Grand Haven have warmed considerably after repeated south winds. Surface temps are in the upper 70's and sub-surface temps vary greatly. Our Fish Hawk probe 77 feet down showed temps from 73 degrees to 43 degrees from 100 fow out to 220 fow. Finding proper temps and bait is the secret to good fishing and action can be very good when you find this combination. Green meat rigs and flies behind white slick Spinnies in both 8 and 11 inch sizes as well as blue and green spoons like the Dolphins have all been good producers. Moonshine glow spoons are good choices in low light conditions. Make sure to check your gear as some real tackle busters are showing up.
Fishing off Grand Haven is steadily improving as more and larger fish are showing up. Fishing effort has been hampered by strong winds and high waves. Surface water is very warm so look for cooler temperatures offshore and at least 70 feet down. While there have been reports of success with glow spoons, our best action has come on flies and meat rigs. An 11 inch white paddle and the Oceana fly down 80 to 110 feet was by far our best taking numerous hits and fish including mature Kings as well as Lake Trout. Action was also good on our divers set 180 to 220 out with green flies behind 8 inch Spin Doctors in Kevin's girlfriend and white slick patterns. Meat rigs in green patterns have also caught fish. Watch for changing temperature patterns as wind directions are forecast to change in the next week.
By normal June standards, fishing remains very good off Grand Haven. While action has slowed down somewhat from the past weeks excellent pace, there are still many Kings of all sizes and an increasing number of Summer Steelhead available. For us, the most productive water was from 110 to 140 feet. Michigan Stinger and Dreamweaver Super Slim spoons in combinations of bright colors were most productive for us. This included both gold and silver backed spoons fished off riggers, divers and coppers fished in the top 60 feet of water. Check the buoys for water temperatures as predicted much warmer weather may drive fish deeper this week. This will be my last report until mid-July. Check WGHN for current info.
Fishing remains good off Grand Haven. The most productive water remains from 120 feet out to 220. Bright spoons in standard sizes are still taking fish although paddles or spin doctors with green or white flies are beginning to see more action. Meat rigs are also producing fish according to reports. The fish remain scattered throughout the water column and we took Kings as shallow as a 50 copper and as deep as a rigger down over 100 feet. A doubleheader produced a King on a 50 copper and a Steelhead on a 250 copper. Numbers of Steelhead seem to be increasing. Check out the Offshore Challenge website for up to date info on this weekends success.
Fishing at Grand Haven remains good for a mixed bag of Kings, Cohoes, Steelhead and Lake Trout. Fish are scattered from 90 to 240 feet of water. The one change for us since last week has been an increased fly bite. We also heard reports of some action on meat rigs. Spoons also remain productive. Our best action was on a white fishscale 11 inch paddle and an a white fly. Moonshine spoons early followed by DW standard spoons in blue veggie, mixed veggie and Capt. Gary's UV provided later action. Orange spoons on 50 and 100 coppers also took Kings. As the fish are found in random schools, multiple hookups have been common.
Strong winds from first the North and then the South have scattered the fish and the rapidly changing water temperatures have confused both the fish and fishermen. A few kings have been caught in front of the piers before
It doesn't get much better than this - mature Kings plus some juveniles, Cohoes, Steelhead and even Lake Trout are all available. Check the water temperature on our website at the Port Sheldon and Muskegon buoys, find water in the 50's or below and troll. Glow in the morning and evening, green on sunny days and blue when cloudy. We caught Kings last week on 6 different green spin doctor and green fly combinations on riggers down
Fishing remains very hit and miss with some large kings and smaller lake trout being taken especially early in the morning and and at sunset. Kings are hitting various baits from meat rigs to spoons and even plugs. The most important news is that Grand Haven (Harbor Island) remains closed and now the MDNR has also closed the public landing in Holland. This leaves Port Sheldon which is very crowded, was flooded (bring your boots) as of late week and is extremely slippery from a major duckweed and algae bloom.
It's been said " when the cottonwood flies, the fishing dies" This past week, a combination of rough seas and storms limited our success. Most actin involved Lake Trout which we took as shallow as 30 down in 200 FOW and as deep as 140 down. Fish came on
We're finally fishing after weeks waiting for repair parts! Two trips this week brought good results with both Kings and Lake Trout coming well offshore. Our best action came from 170 to 220 FOW. Magnum Fuzzy Bear spoons, Alligator and Flea for All provided most of the
Warming South winds have brought warming waters which has led to more consistent action on the Big Lake. Three age classes of Kings along with a few large Steelhead and the usual Lake Trout in water from 90 to 190 feet straight out of the harbor have been biting a variety of lures. Early action seems best on Moonshine spoons like the Watermelon UV and the Happy Meal UV. However our best action came later in the morning on Magnum Spoons like the Fuzzy Bear Alligator and Alley Cat and the Dreamweaver Mixed Veggie UV. Spin Doctor and fly combos in bright colors also took Kings. Rigger action came from 35 to 70 feet down with divers set 150 to 200 back. 300 and 350 coppers were also successful. Check lures frequently as the high water has caused much trash to be washed into the Lake. Harbor Island remains flooded so wear your boots if launching there Watch for floating logs in the River and the Lake as some boats have sustained damage. Good Fishing, Rich
It's time for my first fishing report of 2019. After a couple of days on the Lake, I can say it's truly great to be back. At Grand Haven, perch fishing remains good although the schools are moving around and you will have to find them. When you do wigglers, spikes or
Fishing off Grand Haven remains very good with a mixed bag of Kings, Coho, Steelhead and Lake Trout. The only problem is that the fish are well offshore and very deep making access somewhat difficult for the small boat angler. Water temperatures remain very warm reaching 70 degrees down 80 feet or more. Most fish have been taken from the cooler water with only a few out of temperature. White paddles, both slick and scaly, and Poofster and Oceana flies have been excellent producers. Green Spin Doctors with green flies like Pickled Sunshine and meat rigs in white, UV and green have also taken fish. Fish riggers deep, 80 feet down to the bottom, divers back 180 to 240 set on 1 1/2 and coppers from 300 to 450 or more. 120 FOW or deeper has been most productive. The good news is there appears to be lots of baitfish and the fish are running large. This will be my last report for 2017. DNR reports will continue and listen to WGHN - FM for daily reports from Capt. Willis Kerridge at 7:20 and 8:20 AM and 3:20 PM. Good fishing! Rich Wilson
Fishing off Grand Haven has been a changing proposition from day to day as water temperatures have changed frequently. A temperature probe has been very helpful in dealing with current and temperature changes. As the week progressed, warming water has pushed the fish further offshore with most fish coming in 110 to 160 FOW by week's end. It remains to be seen what Friday's big blow will mean. Check the Muskegon and Port Sheldon buoy reports on this website for temperature changes. While Kings have been caught from 30 to 110 feet down, 50 to 80 feet down with Spin Doctors and flies and meat rigs have been most successful. Some nice Steelhead have also been taken on orange and red spoons in the top 40 feet. Fish appear well-fed and healthy with both Kings and Lake Trout of more than 25 pounds taken this past week. Rich Wilson
Fishing off Grand Haven remains good with a mixed bag of Kings, Coho, Steelhead, Lake Trout and even a few Browns. Erratic winds have kept the fish on the move searching for temperature and bait. Most anglers have been starting their search in 80 FOW and then moving out if necessary. 130 FOW seems to be a good second target. Most fish have been coming between 40 and 80 feet down. Meat rigs in UV, blue and green shades have all been good producers on riggers, divers and coppers from 150 to 450. Spoons have also produced well with Moonshine spoons like the Flounder Pounder working well in early and late hours and blues and greens in mid day. Try a variety until you hit on that day's hot lure. My granddaughter saved a slow day for us by suggesting a DW Pink Panties on the 300 copper. Check your lines for nicks and abrasions as there are some big fish around and break-offs are making busy brisk at Fish On Bait and Tackle
Fishing off Grand Haven continues to provide a mixed bag of Kings, Coho, Steelhead and Lake Trout. Most action has come from 80 to 140 FOW from 40 feet down to the bottom. Some very healthy Kings and Cohoes have shown up with at least one fish topping 25 pounds. Meat rigs on divers, 225 and 300 coppers have been very productive. Colors have been mostly whites, yellows and greens. Spoons in oranges on higher lines and greens down deeper have also taken fish. Glow spoons such as
Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action is picking up. Boat anglers caught salmon on green or yellow meat rigs 50 to 90 feet down in 100 to 180 feet. Steelhead were also caught. Lake trout were taken in the bottom 20 feet with green or yellow spin-glo’s. Pier action for steelhead and yellow perch was slow.
Fishing remains very good off Grand Haven. Fishing has slowed in the muddy water although some fish continue to be taken on brightly colored and UV spoons in the standard Stinger and Super Slim Dreamweaver sizes. Many of these Kings are
Fishing remains very good off Grand Haven with Cohoes and some smaller Kings available offshore in 150 to 200 FOW. The top 40 seems to produce best.
Weather permitting, trolling off Grand Haven has been fairly productive. Coho are available with a few Kings in 190 to 220 FOW. The top 40 feet is producing Cohoes on bright body baits and
The past week has provided very good fishing off Grand Haven for mature Kings and Cohoes as well as Steelhead. While cold water provided opportunities close to shore in 40 to 60 fow, increasing south winds have warmed the water and pushed the fish and the bait further out. White fishscale or wonderbread paddles with white or glow blue flies have been consistent producers off riggers and divers. Plugs in glow, white or chrome/red head have also taken fish. Late week provided action on spoons as well,
In spite of increases in boating activity because of the Coast Guard Festival, fishing remains good off Grand Haven. Both mature and immature Chinooks and Cohoes are being caught in 30 to 60 fow under low light conditions. White glow plugs in pearl, black dot, double glow and Wonderbread patterns seem
Mature kings have finally started to arrive. Best for us was 80 to 130 fow. While not hot and heavy, all our fish ran from 17 to 20 pounds. While some fish have been taken early in the A.M. as shallow as 70 fow, the bite there has been short-lived. Meat rigs on divers, spinnies or paddles and flies as
Grand Haven: Steelhead were caught on alewife and shrimp however the action has slowed for pier anglers. Boat anglers are catching a mixed bag of trout and salmon in 120 to 180 feet when
Grand Haven: Decent numbers of steelhead are being caught off the piers. Anglers are using alewife and shrimp or casting orange spoons. Boats trolling near the end of the piers caught steelhead on orange
Grand Haven: Boats trolling near the piersheads caught steelhead on orange spoons or body baits. Those heading offshore found trout and salmon in 150 to 210 feet. Orange spoons and white flies worked well. Pier anglers are catching steelhead on shrimp and a few
Grand Haven: Trout and salmon have been caught 35 to 150 feet down in 150 to 250 feet when trolling green flies and orange spoons. Pier anglers are
While big fish have been hard to find, 2 to 5 pound Kings and Cohos can be found from 80 fow out to 300 plus. Most have been caught in the top 50 feet with Lake Trout being taken at greater depths. Red, orange and pink spoons are working. For us, small spoons, Super Slims or Stingers worked best. For Lake Trout, white flies and the usual Trash Can and Spin and Glows take fish near the bottom. A reminder: Chinook (King) salmon with a missing adipose fin contain a coded wire micro chip in the snout. The MDNR would like us to turn in the snouts of these fish for research purposes. In light of the declining Chinook fishery, this has become more important than ever. To help make this more convenient, the MDNR has now located a small freezer at Chinook Pier so that we can deposit the snouts there. Bags and identification forms will also be available there. Lets all do our part to preserve this valuable fishery. Rich
Grand Haven: Boats trolling in front of the piers caught coho and a few Chinook on glow plugs and orange spoons. Pier anglers
Grand Haven: Chinook salmon were found 80 to 140 feet down in 100 to 150 feet. Green or white flies worked well and glow plugs
Grand Haven: Boats were finding salmon 40 to 100 feet down in 70 to 120 feet. Glow plugs, green or white meat rigs, and green flies were taking fish. Pier anglers are catching the occasional steelhead on shrimp.
Grand Haven: Has not changed. Boat anglers have caught salmon and trout 40 to 100 feet down in 70 to 140
With warming surface temperature, fish are finally beginning to concentrate in the cooler depths. This past week, the temperature break has been around 65 feet down in 80 to 120 fow. While some Steelhead remain available nearer the surface and also in 140 to 180 fow,
Grand Haven: Windy weather has turned the water continuously so water temperatures were consistent throughout the water column. Water in the 40’s brought a large number of steelhead close to shore.
Grand Haven---Anglers are fishing 85-130 FOW. Kings are biting meat rigs in the colors of blue and purple in the morning and green and yellow later on divers and 300 coppers.
Because of fog, storms, and wind my port have had very little fishing pressure, especially Muskegon. In fact, I don't have a report for Muskegon. Grand Haven--130-200FOW 30-90ft down.
Salmon fishing is good, but difficult because fish factors are changing daily. Water temperatures seem
While cold water and strong winds continue to be an issue, there are good fish to be caught when Mother Nature cooperates. The best action this past week has been in 80 to 170 fow. Location from north
Grand Haven--Salmon anglers are fishing 80-110FOW. Divers are back 100 and 150 with meat rigs. Coppers are 100-225 with orange spoons. Meat
Again another slow report for both ports. Water is cold so few fish are around and if around the fish are scattered. Grand Haven/Muskegon--
Fishing off Grand Haven has begun to improve. While cold water temps have kept the fish scattered and on the move,
Fishing has slowed at both ports because few fish seem to be around, water is still cold, and also fishing pressure has been slow because of weather. Grand Haven--Pier anglers are using spawn
Grand Haven—Pier angling has slowed for steelhead and browns. Anglers are using spawn and casting spoons as means to try and catch steelhead and browns.
Perch fishing is getting better,
Amanda’s reports are based on talking to anglers at the launch site, and the north and south piers in Grand Haven
Grand Haven and Muskegon----Pier anglers are doing well catching steelhead and browns. Spawn is the bait of choice.
Boat anglers are having success trolling the shoreline for browns, steelhead, coho, and small kings. 2,3,5 colors of lead core and short coppers have all taken fish. Baits have been
Grand Haven: Pier and shore anglers are both taking steelhead and brown trout. Steelhead are hitting on fresh spawn and brown trout on orange body baits.
This will be my last fishing report for the season. Still my report is very slim, but steelhead fishing in G.Haven has been better the last couple of days. Pier and shore anglers in G.Haven have had luck catching steelhead. They have been using spawn, but yesterday an angler did catch a steelhead with shrimp. Menominee has been hit and miss off the piers and I have not heard of any whitefish
My report is very slim again for G.Haven/Muskegon. I do not have boat info from either port. So, only pier info. Anglers are fishing both north and south piers in G.Haven for steelhead. Very few steelhead have been caught. Spawn is the bait of
A slim report from me again for G.Haven/Muskegon. I don't have any boat info from either port. Pier fisherman in G. Haven have been catching a very few steelhead using spawn as bait. Gizzard shad are around, so those could be used for bait, but usually not the bait of choice. Anglers have just started to fish the pier in Muskegon. Also using spawn as bait. But, I haven't heard of any steelhead or kings being caught yet. I don't have any Muskegon or Grand river info either.
Grand Haven/Muskegon---Salmon are scattered because of the water temps. Some kings and cohos are being caught while trolling around the pie rheads and in the basin at Muskegon. Most anglers seems to be having better luck out deeper. 90-120 and then 150-200+. The only consistency seems that fish are caught in the 30-45 down depth. Anglers are using J-plugs around the pier heads in colors of green, yellow, and chrome. Out deeper spoons, spinnies/flies, and meat rigs have been working. Green spoons and flies with white or UV spinnies and meat rigs are working best. Pier fishing at both ports is slow. Anglers are using spawn, alewives, and casting spoons. Anglers are still trolling or jigging in Muskegon lake, but that is slow too.
Grand Haven/Muskegon-- Anglers are fishing in 40-80 FOW and 25-80 ft down in the morning and then the fish seem to move out to 70-80 FOW water later in the day. The spawning kings are starting to stage and Cohos are mixed in the group.
The good news is that the past week has provided us with our best fishing since 2012. Mostly Kings in the 8 to 18 pound range have provided the action and there has been plenty of that. A few Cohoes, Lake Trout and Steelhead have added to the fun. Green Spin Doctors like the Fat Nancy, Live Wire and Seneca Special with green flies like Pickled Sunshine, Green Bubbles and Seaweed have all been very effective.
Hello,
Grand Haven: Boat anglers are catching salmon 40 to 85 feet down in 80 to 130 feet. Steelhead were caught on orange spoons in the top 30 feet. Salmon were caught on blue and green spoons and flies or white paddles, spinnies and flies. Yellow, blue green or purple meat rigs also caught fish. Pier fishing slowed as water temperatures were back up to 65 degrees or more.
Grand Haven---Anglers are fishing 140-240 FOW and 20-80 ft down. Gold spoons with orange and yellow have been the best. Blue paddles with a blue or white fly 50-70ft down have also worked well.
Because of inconsistent reports and to save fuel, we opted to fish the muddy and stained water in close. Temps were cold and baitfish were plentiful. Thursday provided Steelhead and Kings and a lone Brown on 3 to 7 color lead cores with bright spoons with spots. Riggers set 24 and 30 took hits as well. DW spoons i
Grand Haven---Anglers are fishing 75-175 FOW and running baits from the surface down to 70 ft. Spoons are still taking most fish and colors are orange, blue, and green. Spinnie bites have came on a white spinnie with green fly. Meat rigs that are yellow have caught fish too.
Recent strong north winds have brought cold water close to shore. Surface temps are in the 50's with the temps in the low 40's only 20 feet down. The result has been that fish have scattered but the good news is that while numbers have generally not increased, the quality of the fish caught has. Kings to 22 pounds and Steelhead to 14 pounds have been caught. Fish have been caught from 30 fow
This report might be changing quickly, since with the cool weather and strong north wind the water is cooling and fish are on the move. Grand Haven/Muskegon---Anglers were fishing 120-150 FOW and running baits on the surface down to 90 ft. Fish are starting to be caught more on paddles. Paddles are white and the best fly is blue. Spoon colors are blue and gold.
Grand Haven and Muskegon have similar reports this week. Anglers have been fishing 110-165 FOW and down depth is 45 ft-120 ft. Spoons still work well in mostly blue patterns. White paddles also have started to catch fish. Meat rigs that are blue in color have worked on dipsy rods.
Grand Haven-Has been very slow on the pier. Guys have been casting for large and smallmouth bass. Bait has been hard to come by.
Can you believe it's already the Fourth of July? I can because just like last year the changing weather is keeping the fireworks on Dewey Hill instead of of on the back decks of the fishing boats! Today was the beast opportunity to get out after some pretty windy weather and the catches were skinny. I spoke with guys that fished from 70 - 240 FOW and the story was the same, slow.
Grand Haven and Muskegon have slowed for salmon fishing and the fog, weather, and wind has made fishing very difficult
Grand Haven---Salmon anglers have been fishing 85-110 FOW and 40-90 ft down. Spoons are still the main bait of choice in colors of blues and yellows.
The commercial fishing nets located between
Grand Haven and Muskegon are similar again. Water depth is 80-100 and down depth is 50-70. The Duck Lake area by Muskegon is holding salmon there. Mini and regular spoons that are blue and green in color have been catching fish. Spinnie/fly bites have been few.
Grand Haven and Muskegon are similar again. Salmon angling is starting to slow though. Grand Haven----180-220 FOW and 20-60 ft down. 75-300 ft of copper and 3-10 colors of lead have caught fish. Still a spoon mini and regular spoon bite. Colors are orange and UV patterns of orange, blue, and yellow. A few spinnie/fly bites.
Grand Haven---Water has cooled and salmon are now around the pierheads. Top water to 40ft down has caught fish. Small spoons and some spinnie/flies have been working. Orange has been the best color. Pier anglers are able to catch alewives again, but fish were caught JUST outside of the reach of the anglers. No perch info.
Grand Haven—Salmon anglers have been fishing 120-160FOW. Baits are being ran 25-50ft down. 225 coppers and 3 to 12 colors of leadcore have all caught fish. Spoons in mini and regular sizes and mostly oranges, bright greens, and spoons that have UV are working too.
Perch fishing has really slowed
Grand Haven---King fishing is really heating up here. Anglers have been fishing 30-70FOW with the best depth being 40-55FOW. 3 colors of lead down to 43ft on riggers has been the depth range that has caught fish. Anglers have been working the Grand River mudline and the clean water just outside the mudline. Spoons are baits of choice in mini and regular sizes. Orange, gold, mixed veggie, and UV baits are all working.
Grand Haven: Boat anglers have their choice between salmon or perch. For salmon, most are trolling in waters out to 60 feet deep however 35 to 45 feet seems to produce the most fish when using 3, 5 and 7 color lead core. Set downriggers 20 to 35 feet with orange and gold spoons. Perch anglers are still taking fish in the 60 foot hole just south of the south pier. Try minnows, spikes or wigglers. Pier fishing was slow for those casting spoons
Grand Haven---A few kings have shown up along with browns. Anglers have been fishing 8-60 FOW with 30-45 FOW being the best depth. 24ft down on riggers has caught fish. Anglers are fishing right out of Grand Haven. Anglers are also using planner boards to fish the top water. Anglers are using their favorite spring baits. Perch fishing is good in 60 FOW in the holes south of the south pier.
Ice has finally left around piers at both Grand Haven and Muskegon. Pier fishing is very slow. In Grand Haven a VERY few browns have been caught. Both steelhead and browns have been caught in Muskegon, but VERY few here too. Anglers are using spawn as bait. 1 charter boat caught 1 brown while trolling the channel and around the pierheads. The Cottage Grove boat launch in Muskegon is closed due to dredging.
Grand Haven---Ice is still on the piers, so anglers should use caution. Ice in the lake has been out to the lighthouse on the north and south side pier, so fishing has been difficult. But, a VERY FEW browns have been caught. Pier anglers are using spawn. Boat anglers are able to troll the channel and around the pier heads. Boat anglers are using planer boards with spring color baits.
This will be my last fishing report. Anglers have been fishing the piers in Grand Haven/Holland for steelhead, white fish, and Menominee. The water is not quite cold enough, but getting close. All three fish species have been caught, but few numbers and not everyday. Spawn is the bait of choice. Amanda
Fishing in Holland/Grand Haven has been terribly slow. Wind and weather, along with no fish around has not helped my the fishing report.
I talked to 1 guy out of Holland Sunday and he fished 80-170FOW
It is a slim report again this week. The following is based on discussions with the anglers that have gone out.
Water was still warm at both ports of Grand Haven/Holland over the weekend.
Boat anglers have been fishing 100-160 FOW and it seemed that 120-150 was best.
Grand Haven and Holland are similar again
Salmon anglers in boats are fishing 100 feet of water off the pierheads “if” the water rolled and flipped yesterday with the wind and waves. If, water didn’t flip stick to 100FOW 85-90 on the riggers and 300-400ft coppers. It is a spoon bite and colors are spring colors yellow/blue, mixed veggie, oranges and a few glow spoons too.
Pier fishing has been very slow for steelhead so far, but guys are trying casting and spawn.
No perch.
Finally, a more positive report
Grand Haven/Holland---Salmon anglers are fishing 50-250 FOW with the most productive water being 100'. Downrigger depth is 30'-90'. Spoons and body baits have been working. Out deeper it seems that darker colors were working better. Purple/black. In closer it was orange and orange/green.
Some mature fish are still being caught out there.
Another terribly slow report. Grand Haven/Holland have similar reports again
Grand Haven--Pier anglers have been trying for salmon using spoons, spawn, or alewives if around. Spoons are most productive in an orange, red, or glow.
Grand Haven/Holland have the same fishing report and the report is SLOW! Salmon anglers have been trolling the channels at both port with chrome and redhead plugs, green plugs, white pearl with colored or black dots. Pier anglers have been using spawn, alewives, and spoons to catch salmon. I know that boats have gone offshore to find steelhead or young salmon and struggled too.
I am sorry to say that my report for both Grand Haven/ Holland is extremely SLOW. Salmon anglers have been fishing the channel with plugs. White, pearl, silver with green or red, and the white with multi color dots have all taken fish.
Holy big fish Batman! Week after week fish over 20 lbs continue to land in coolers at a pace that I haven't seen since the 80's. My sons were running the boat the other morning when a real trophy showed up that topped the 30 lb mark for us for the first time in over 15 years!
Grand Haven----Salmon anglers are fishing 85-115 FOW and 60-95 down on the riggers. White glow plugs, white paddles with a mirage fly and green and yellow spoons are working best.
Grand Haven---Salmon anglers are fishing 160-210 FOW and downrigger depth is 30ft-bottom. 150, 300, 450 coppers all have been producing.
Holland--Anglers who fished south of Holland had better luck over the weekend, than those that fished straight out of Holland. Best water was 160-180 and 30-85ft down. No one color or bait was better than any other. So, spoons and spinnies/flies worked. Colors were orange, blue, and green.
Grand Haven-Salmon anglers are targeting steelhead, since kings are still scarce. FOW is 200-240 and the top portion of the water column. Spoons that are orange are working best.
This is a short fish report. Boat anglers that are trying for salmon are REALLY struggling and word has spread, so NOT much salmon fishing, so no info for boat angling. Sorry.
Grand Haven--Pier anglers are doing well on steelhead using shrimp and a bobber. Boat anglers are struggling to catch kings in 80'-130' of water and top-40' down.
Boat anglers are fishing 160-300', but most productive water has been 180'-220'. Salmon and steelhead have been coming 40'-80' down, but some kings have been caught below 100'.
Grand Haven and Holland have similar reports again. Boat anglers are fishing 110-200 ft. But, best water has been 150-180 ft. With fishing depth is top 85'.
Salmon (Kings and Cohos) are just starting to show up in Holland and Grand Haven for boat anglers. Report is the same for both locations.
Water depth is 40-150 with 80-120 being the best. Salmon are high in the water as small leadcores are working best.
The dirty water and debris from the rivers and lakes has really made fishing hard for both boat anglers and pier fishermen.
Grand Haven—Anglers are using spawn to fish for browns, steelhead, and whitefish. All have been caught, but in VERY few numbers.
No boat info.
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