Upper Peninsula Weekly Fishing Report – August 25, 2021

Keweenaw Bay: On days when temperatures were cooler, anglers were able to catch lake trout, Chinook, coho, rainbow trout and the occasional splake. Most fish were caught trolling in water that was 80 to 150 feet deep. Fish were found deep in the water column as well as high up in the water column. Most fish were caught on artificial bait however, some were caught using live bait as well. Fish seem to like the morning for feeding so try fishing before noon.

Union Bay: Anglers did well catching lake trout when they found the right depth. A few 10 to 15 pound lake trout were found with the majority coming in between three and five pounds.

Munising Bay: Anglers caught lake trout towards White Rocks and Wood Island Reef in 150 to 180 feet while using spoons and flies tipped with cut bait. There were a few catches of splake and coho.

Grand Marais: Most anglers were targeting lake trout with limits reported near AuSable and Five Mile Reef. Most fish were averaging around three to four pounds. A few scattered coho were also caught.

Black River Harbor:  Anglers were having a difficult time finding lake trout but when they did the bite was good. Most fish that came in were three to five pounds, similar to the other ports. Anglers were using spoons and down riggers across the area.

Big Traverse Bay/ South Portage Entry: A few coho and lake trout were caught while trolling in deeper water. Fish were caught on artificial bait and boats were trolling around 3 mph. Most fish were caught during the mornings. Try trolling high in the water column in medium deep water for salmon.

Marquette: Decent limits of lake trout were brought in. The White Rock area and up towards Granite were producing lake trout. There were a few reports of steelhead being caught. Anglers were also catching a few coho.

Au Train: A few lake trout were caught in the Au Train flats.

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers were having fair to good catches, with some catching some very respectable fish. Anglers were focusing efforts around Minneapolis Shoals in relatively shallow water and north of Gladstone. Perch fishing was slow. Anglers should try trolling crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers.

Big Bay de Noc: Anglers that ported out of Garden caught pike and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass anglers fishing out of Nahma and Ogontz had success, but action was slower than previous weeks. Anglers should try using natural-colored beads that resemble gobies.

St. Ignace/Les Cheneaux: Anglers were starting to catch a few Chinook salmon and lake trout in the St. Ignace area. Fishing in both rivers has slowed down. In the Les Cheneaux area, anglers were starting to catch a few salmon. Anglers were also catching perch off the pier in Hessel.

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Fishing Tip: When fishing for trout in Michigan’s rivers and streams – cast into the seams

A “seam” is area where two currents converge, and it looks like a line or bubble trail in the water. Trout like seams because the joining currents create feeding lanes that collect drifting food – insects and larvae.

Before casting, take a moment to read the river and observe structures in the water such as rocks and logs, then locate any seams. With some experience, you’ll be able to detect seams as subtle lines along the surface where slower current meets with fast current, and in the seam is one of the places you’ll find trout!

Visit Michigan.gov/TroutTrails to learn about lesser-known sites for excellent trout fishing.