The Grand Traverse region is a host to several lakes and popular species of fish. The diversity of angling opportunities makes this one of the best locations for anglers in the country. Anglers have the opportunity to chase salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout, perch, walleye and smallmouth just to name a few. Local waters include Grand Traverse Bay, Long Lake, Lake Leelanau, Boardman Lake, Duck Lake, Green Lake and Silver Lake, all within a twenty-minute drive of Traverse City.
Most fish are now into their summer pattern. Cooler than normal water temperatures have
kept most fish from going into deep water in the Grand Traverse Bay region. Most of the baitfish on the Grand Traverse Bay have been in the 20 to 60 foot range. The salmon and lake trout have not been far away. Salmon will start to show up in greater numbers as we get further into the month. Trolling meat rigs, j-plugs, and spoons will be a solid bet for some salmon action on the Bay’s.
Smallmouth and largemouth action on the inland lakes has remained steady. The largemouth have moved into the grass and smallmouth are roaming the flats looking for a meal. Flipping crawfish imitations into the grass, rigged Texas style and frog style bait fished over thick vegetation will be a good bet to get a bite. Drop shotting, spinnerbaits, or walking topwater baits like a Zara Spook will be your best bet for some smallmouth action.
Walleye anglers have been finding fish scattered from shallow to deep. Anglers looking to fish shallow should try early morning or late evening. Try stick baits and jigs tipped with a minnow, leech, or chunk of a night crawler. The daytime fish have been coming in deeper water suspended or right on the bottom. Trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses, or spoons and stick baits on lead core are productive ways to put fish in the boat this month.
As always be sure to check your fishing regulations and stay up-to-date with any new rule changes or species limit changes. Your local bait-n-tackle store is a great place to get the most recent information. Have fun out there and take a kid fishing.
[easy-social-share]