Lake Michigan
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Lake Michigan Fishing Reports
Stay up to date with the latest fishing reports from Lake Michigan. Reports are submitted by local anglers, fishing guides, and our team of fishing experts.
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- Species
TroutTechniqueTrolling Mid Depth (10-19')SeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBouldersThis cold spring has water temps on the big pond lower than normal for this time of year. We found water temps in the 34-35 degree range. Water color ranged from muddy brown to clarity of about 10 feet. We found active brown trout in 10-20 feet of water. We trolled a variety of baits and colors at 2.4-2.5 mph along shoreline boulder areas. The browns love the gobies and one of our trout puked up about a 6 inch goby. The two biggest browns weighed just shy of 10 pounds. Don't be afraid to mix up the baits and colors until the fish tell you what they prefer on that given day. Great to be back on open water!
- Species
Smallmouth BassTechniqueInline SpinnersSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureLedgesCaught a small baby. Also pulled in a carp that was snagged. Sadly it was filleted by someone and thrown back.
SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueHard JerkbaitsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBouldersChicago Smallie #1 of the season had been caught! Along with 3 more friends. Caught the first couple on the Megabass 110+1 jerkbait, had to work relatively slow with about 5 second pauses just as you'd expect. After I dialed in where they were posted up, I cleaned up with a 3' Megabass Spark Shad on an underspin. Action is only gonna get better as it heats up!
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueTexas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)SeasonSummerStructureBoulders
I like to fish these craws on a jika rig. Medium or medium light rod. Slow drag or lift/ fall technique mostly. I found both smallmouth and northern pike appreciate them equally.
ZACH SUCHANUKBronze AmbassadorSpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueNed RigsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBouldersWind blown rock had fish pushed way up in the rocks. Casting a ned as shallow as you could in any gap between rocks and letting it sit was key. The fish were biting very soft and sitting still when they ate it. Braid to fluorocarbon and a rod with a light Tip was key to feel the difference between a fish and a snag.
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueSpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBrush Piles
Got a 28 inch pike on a spoon. No other bites.
SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueSoft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)SeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBouldersCaught the absolute FOOTBALL in the picture with a swinging football head along big rock pile. Other than that, absolutely crushed them on a 3' Megabass Spark Shad and an underspin, let it sink till it was right above the rocks that the fish were camping out on
- SpeciesSmallmouth BassTechniqueHard JerkbaitsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureBoulders
Fishing diversey, dusable, and 37th street harbors in Chicago for smallmouth. Slick calm water and water still cold around 45°. Slow jerking and dragging ned rigs.
