10-22-2009 Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Chocolay River – Had a few reports of coho being caught.

Menominee – Walleye were reported by those trolling stick baits or rapalas near Chambers Island and Green Island. Up near the Cedar River, walleye fishing was good at night when trolling in 18 to 25 feet of water north to Deadman’s Point and beyond. Walleye and bass were caught down near Hayward Bay.

Menominee River – Anglers were fishing from the mouth to the Hattie Street Dam. A few boats trolling for walleye did fair to good. Most were wading from Stephenson and Boom Island or shore fishing from the Cat Walk or the platform near the dam. Fish can be seen however catch rates were slow. Brown trout were jumping and a few were caught. Salmon and steelhead action was slow.

Little Bay De Noc – Walleye have migrated up into the northern parts of the Bay and catch rates were fair. Anglers that fished before dawn or at dusk did best between the First Reef and the Black Bottom when trolling stick baits in 8 to 30 feet of water along the reefs and the east bank. Northern pike were very active as several large fish were caught by those trolling crank baits or stick baits straight out from the coal piles near Gladstone. Try 12 to 23 feet of water. Good smallmouth catches reported throughout the Bay especially off Hunter’s Point and Squaw Point.

Day’s River – The salmon runs are just about done but several nice catches of steelhead were reported when casting spawn or yarn.

Big Bay De Noc – Continues to provide excellent smallmouth bass fishing from Fayette south to Snake Island. Most are drifting minnows 15 to 35 feet down

Drummond Island – Perch fishing was still slow. The waters had cleared up some and a few fish were taken in 12 feet of water between Rutland Island and James Island. Early morning was best.

Cedarville and Hessel – A few perch have been caught in Musky Bay and the Middle Entrance when using a red teardrop with a minnow in 6 to 12 feet of water. A few fish were also caught off Little Joe Island. Near Cedarville, Bush Creek still has a few salmon coming in. Anglers are casting an artificial orange egg on a single hook with a couple of split shots.

Carp River – Anglers are catching the occasional coho and steelhead when casting spawn at the mouth.

Nunn’s Creek – Those fishing down near the mouth in the waters of Lake Huron are still taking some nice silver chinook salmon when using spawn.

St. Ignace – Anglers are targeting salmon while fishing off the docks in the early morning before daylight and after dark.