Lake Michigan Outdoor Fishing Report

Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: March 6, 2011

Racine Co.
  Over this past weekend on the Root River, the spring run for trout fishing had begun its early stages. Angler effort was split with anglers fishing near the Horlick dam and downstream through Quarry Lake Park or with anglers fishing Lincoln Park and downstream through Island Park. The Root River’s water depth was up over the weekend with the recent rainfall and snow melt. The river was flowing pretty fast and holding a fair amount of sediment. This produced a brown stained flow with low visibility for Friday and Saturday. The sediment filled water along with cold air temperature over Saturday and Sunday probably contributed to the low catch rates. Conditions became a little better by Sunday afternoon but angler effort was minimal. Water temperatures taken on Sunday were still low, holding just above freezing at 33 degrees Fahrenheit. In Lincoln Park, angler effort was high Friday morning. Most anglers were concentrating downstream from the weir around the first river bend. Despite the rainfall, moderate temperatures, and overcast skies few steelhead were landed. Most anglers were drifting small spawn sacs with a bobber set about 3 feet down. On Sunday afternoon a few anglers were fishing upstream from weir toward the Colonial Park boundary but had no success. They were drifting spawn sacs and small jigs tipped with a wax worm. Fishing at the Horlick dam over the weekend had low but steady fishing pressure. The higher water and fast flow made fishing here a little more challenging. A couple anglers were fishing near the foot of the dam and off to the side, and they were able to land a pair of nice steelhead. One harvested steelhead measured 28.5 inches and 7 pounds and was caught on a small orange stonefly. No fin clips were present and gender could not be determined but it was very healthy looking with a slight pinkish hue along its side.
Milwaukee Co.
  In Milwaukee open water can be found in the lower stretches of the Menomonee River and canals, and there is also open water under the Hoan Bridge near Jones Island. Steelhead anglers have been fishing Oak Creek and the Menomonee River near Miller Park, but success has been limited.

Green Bay Fishing Report: March 8, 2011

Brown Co.
  No report.
East Shore
  Sturgeon Bay: Those anglers who have been fishing off of Stone Quarry targeting whitefish have been using gold Swedish Pimples tipped with a waxworm. Also some perch are being caught as well with the perch coming on the same rig. Fishermen have also been targeting perch out from the State Park. A few fishermen have been fishing for northern pike at the yacht club. Little Sturgeon Bay: Anglers have been finding some perch fishing inside the weed beds. Also anglers have been finding good numbers of whitefish in 20-30 feet of water. Staying away from the crowds has been the best bet. Sugar Creek: Sugar Creek has been very popular the last few weeks with the perch fishermen. Good numbers are being caught in 50 feet of water. Sand Bay: Fishermen have been targeting walleyes and perch on Larson’s Reef. Whitefish are being caught in 30-50 feet of water, but the walleyes are coming much shallower. Chaudoir’s Dock: Anglers have been finding some perch here and there; most have been small in size. Fishermen have also been doing well on whitefish with most being caught in 30 feet of water. Volk’s Reef: Volks Reef has been slow, with little fishing pressure as a result. Red River: Anglers have been fishing whitefish in 15-30 feet of water. Most anglers have been using the standard double hook rig. This rig has a jigging spoon on the bottom and a small jig or hook tied a foot to 18 inches up the line.
Oconto Co.
  Looking around and you can see signs of spring all around, it is just a matter of time. The dogwoods are turning a bright red and the willows are turning a most magnificent yellow. Landings are starting to erode along with the ice thickness especially around river mouths and creeks. Perch fishing at the mouth of the Oconto Breakwater has picked up some in the last week. Some nice perch along with a few whitefish are being caught in 9 to 12 feet of water using jigs and minnows. The pike bite is also starting to show signs of life, large shiners and dead smelt work well. Most people are fishing in areas where some current from run off is available.
Marinette Co.
  North of the mouth of the Peshtigo River has seen a dramatic upswing in the pike bite in the last week or so. Fishermen are plying their trade in 4 to 12 feet of water using both large shiners and smelt when available. The Menominee River is still seeing fishermen taking some perch and walleye off the 6th Street Slip; fishermen are walking to their destinations due to ice conditions. Hattie Street fishermen are using Rapala’s fished from the bridge in open water for walleye and browns with some success.