Cool nights and a bit of rain has started to activate some fishing, but a solid run of fish (at least those with a willingness to bite) has yet to materialize. I noticed how low the river appeared to be at the mouth of White Lake Monday morning and checked the NOAA river level reports. The measurement station is right at Happy Mohawk. The recorded level that day was 0.89 ft. This represents a new record low for that station. The previous record was 0.95 back in Sept. 2000. Mid-week rains have barely made a bump in the river level. Hopefully it is still enough to get some fish on the move. See you out there.
White Lake – Boat anglers caught salmon when trolling double-jointed body baits. A few fish being taken on drifted spawn between the bridge and bike path in the morning. Fish are showing up in better numbers in the river, but low water conditions have made for some tough conditions. For the latest info on White Lake call Johnson’s Great Outdoors at 231-893-6688.
Whitehall/Montague - Anglers on the big lake reported fish stacked up in 90 feet of water. The cool temperatures should produce better fishing in the early morning. Pier anglers caught fish with red spoons and mega-baits with glow tape.
Muskegon – Water levels in the river are still low even after the rain. Cooler temperatures will help bring more fish into the river. Try small spoons or flies. A couple walleye were caught near the US-131 Bridge. Try jigs with minnows or crawlers.
Grand Haven – Salmon anglers are fishing 95 to 150 feet down in 160 to 220 feet of water. They are using 300 feet or more of copper line with magnum spoons, spinnies, paddles or flies. White paddles with blue or green flies worked with downriggers. Pier fishing was slow.
Pentwater – Pier anglers are catching salmon but the action was spotty. Cool nights usually increase catch rates in the morning. Green spoons worked best. Fish are stacked up outside the piers in about 90 feet of water. A substantial number of fish reported to have moved up the river late in the week.
Hamlin Lake – Panfish have been slow over the past week. Those finding fish have targeted shallower weeds near the narrows. For up to date Hamlin information call Hamlin Grocery at 231-843-2058.
Ludington – Anglers are catching fish when trolling 60 to 110 feet down in 80 to 160 feet of water with meat rigs and green flies. Salmon were caught around the harbor on chrome or glow plugs. Pier anglers caught a few fish on spoons in orange and green. Good numbers of salmon in PM lake and moving into the river.