Upper Peninsula Weekly Fishing Report – Sept. 16, 2021

Union Bay: There was a bit of an uptick in angling pressure which seems to have resulted in more lake trout being caught. Similar to Black River, anglers were finding fish in 100 to 150 feet of water depending on what water temperatures were. Lake trout were running in the four-to-six-pound range with the rare 15-pound fish being reported. The occasional brown and steelhead were reported as well.

Black River Harbor: Lake trout seem to be the name of the game currently while trolling spoons in 100 to 150 feet of water. Three-to-five-pound fish were the average with a few 10-pound fish caught. There were a few boats trolling shallower waters looking for salmon but there wasn’t any activity other than the occasional pink salmon.

Keweenaw Bay: Anglers were catching more Chinook and coho salmon. Most fishing was done while trolling in depths ranging from 60 to 140 feet. Lake trout were still coming off the water but more Chinook and coho were targeted. Most of the trolling was done around Sand Point and just north from there. Trolling with spoons during the later morning seemed to be the best.

Munising Bay:  A few coho were caught by boat anglers. Shore anglers were picking up a few splake and a few coho. The best action occurred in the early morning or evenings.  Most anglers were using spawn sacs with a few casting with spoons or stick baits.

Grand Marais: A few boats were fishing for lake trout along with a few trolling for coho.  Lake trout anglers performed well with not always limits, but fair catches ranging from 4 to 6 fish per trip. A few shore anglers were out from the Sucker River mouth but reported no action yet for coho or steelhead.

Big Traverse Bay/ South Portage Entry: Anglers were catching an increasing number of rainbow trout while trolling out south from the canal. Anglers trolling had success on artificial bait, mostly spoons and while fishing during the morning or a few hours before sunset. Pier anglers were able to catch lake sturgeon while using night crawlers. Catches of pike and perch were reported around the dock and while trolling in nearby water as well.

Au Train: Anglers were on the Rock River and a small steelhead was caught and released. Lake trout were caught while fishing on the Flats.

Marquette: Anglers were starting to see some action on the rivers around Marquette. Anglers reported coho catches in the Chocolay River. Lake trout were still biting and some really nice lake trout were caught coming from north of the white rocks. Some smaller fish in the 2-to-4-pound range were caught in the sand hole. A few coho were caught at the white rocks and a few Chinook were caught while trolling in front of the carp.

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers were fishing areas north of Gladstone. Some anglers were fishing out of Kipling and by Minneapolis Shoals. Anglers fishing Minneapolis Shoals had very limited success, but were still catching fish. The bite should hopefully pick up as the fall temperatures set in.

Big Bay de Noc:  Smallmouth anglers reported a notable slowdown. While fish are still being caught, much dedicated work has been necessary. Most anglers were fishing out of the Ogontz or Nahma access. Anglers were fishing the island when the wind permitted. Those fishing the weeds caught a few fish. Multiple reports of respectable-sized pike were caught at those locations as well. Anglers were drifting crawlers and casting soft plastics.

St. Ignace/Les Cheneaux: Anglers were catching lake trout around Bois Blanc Island. Anglers were also starting to see pink salmon in the Carp River. In the Les Cheneaux area, anglers were targeting perch off of the pier in Hessel but the bite was slow. Nunns Creek is being fished hard, but only a few Chinook salmon were caught. Splake were starting to show up in small schools in the marina.

Fishing Tip: Help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species

Anglers and boaters can do their part to help make sure Michigan’s rivers, lakes and streams are protected against invasive species by following these some simple steps:

CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment.
DRAIN live wells, bilges and all water.
DRY boats and equipment.
DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.

Want to learn more about how you can help? Visit