2008 Manistee Lake Michigan wrap up fishing report

April \May

Brown Trout and Salmon did not show up in any quantities in Northeastern Lake Michigan. Most of the Browns spent the Winter & Spring on the other side of our Lake.

June

Steelhead, Salmon & Lake Trout showed up offshore from 100-600 feet of water at the surface thermal breaks. Fishing ran from just so-so to very good offshore. Stinger size spoons in Double Orange Crush, Steelie Stomper, and other medium size spoons seemed to work well.

July

Lots of fish here (Kings, Steelhead, & Lake Trout) but very few fishermen on lake.  It was possible that we had more fish in July then we did in August but not enough fishermen to catch them. The winds and water temperatures were steady with the fish often deep. Spin Doctors & Bechold Fish Catchers with Aqua Gold, & Riverside Flies working early with a new fly, Amy's Baby, working well after the sun got high.

August

Lots of fishermen & fish with winds that seemingly changed directions daily affecting the thermo clines.  Finding where the fish were and at what depth each day was a challenge. Half of the month found our fish within a mile of shore.  Silver Horde Ace High Glow plugs seemed to work for most of the month when the fish were shallow and a large attractor in white and also in green & silver with the same flies we use in July plus a new fly, called Jakestra working well when the fish were deep.

September                        

The water started to cool and the big fish started the month close to the harbor with very good fishing on plugs. By mid-month the south wind we needed in August started to blow and the Salmon, mostly 3 year olds, and some Steelhead were in 150 feet of water with the thermal break down 80 feet or so.

It is not too early to book your 2009 Lake Michigan charters. Remember our July fishery.

Fishing has gone from good to very, very good, some captains catching as many as 18 Salmon to just ok on Friday 5-8 Salmon to very tough this morning with 4-5 foot waves and finicky fish. We tried a new fly this week, called Amy’s Baby from KRW flies and it works very well in bright sunlight. KRW says it will be available this week in limited quantities in local stores. Fish catchers and flies worked well and the Canadian Plugs have started to work when the fish are in the upper 50 feet. Fish are coming from 60-220 feet of water and try from the 12’s to the 19’s. Reports from south of us are that there are lots of fish heading our way. August and September have the potential to be as good as the last two years.

Book now. You will find most captains have very limited days left.