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.
What a month! Ice out was late and it still feels like late March outside! The fishing however has been hot! Depending on the species you are chasing, the colder than normal spring, has made the fish extremely hungry. Bass, walleye, northern pike, panfish and brown trout have all been cooperating well for anglers so far.
Bass anglers will be looking forward to warming lake temperatures. June is always a fun month to be a bass angler. You can find lots of activity in four to ten feet of water. Tubes, spinnerbaits, and top water lures will all come into play for the smallmouth angler. As the weeds begin to grow, largemouth will start to move into the new weed growth and stake their claim for the summer. Jigs, chatterbaits, and crankbaits, along the weed edges should be solid bets for some string pulling! If you do fish for bedding bass, please practice catch and release while fish are on their beds.
Walleye anglers will begin following schools of fish as they migrate to deeper water. Crawler harnesses or lindy rigs with a leech are a couple of my personal favorites. Northern pike will begin to stake their claim in the emerging weed growth as well. Any type of body bait or a sucker under a bobber is always a solid bet for these toothy critters.
The initial reports from southern Lake Michigan looks like the Great Lakes salmon fishery will remain strong as the fish begin to migrate north. Brown trout fishing has been good trolling stick baits in three to twelve feet of water. Lake trout can be found from twenty-five to seventy feet of water. Spoons and cowbells with a spin-n-glow or a peanut are popular choices for trout.
As always be sure to check your fishing regulations guide 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 and up-to-date information. Have fun out there and take a kid fishing. Don’t forget FREE FISHING WEEKEND is June 7th and 8th. Good luck and stay safe!
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