Spring has finally sprung in earnest here in northern Michigan, and the fish seem to be just as happy as us anglers! Trolling, jigging, casting, and fly-fishing have all been productive on many bodies of northern Michigan waters, and this couldn’t be more exciting after a long and cold winter.
Grand Traverse Bays are warming up, as is the action. Trolling has been very productive for the charter boats on both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Lakers are actively biting in just about any depth it seems. Some of the hottest action for bigger fish has been down to 110 feet, where the fish are often schooled up. Trolling near the bottom has been the ticket of late, but suspended fish have also been falling regular victim to an enticing lure that trolls by!
Vertical jigging has been extremely productive as well, both for lake trout and whitefish. As the waters warm into the summer, this bite may taper a bit, as the fish head deeper, but for now, the cool spring is extending the shallow bite. Jigging has been hot in water anywhere from 65-90 feet on most days. Bites have been ferocious for these feisty fish, and light tackle makes for an enjoyable battle. Jigging spoons and heavy bucktail jigs have been key here in the cooler water, but as the water warms, soft plastics will come into their own, often out-producing the spoon bite, even for the wary and extremely tasty whitefish.
Those that enjoy casting have once again found willing lake trout up shallow in water as skinny as three feet. These shallow fish aren’t huge, but they sure are fun on light bass tackle. And they are there in the shallows for only one reason—to eat! Crank baits have produced the best results, although spinner baits have also gotten the occasional fish.
Platte Bay has been outstanding as well for a variety of fish. Lake trout have swarmed the rocky shoal areas of Platte Bay, and have been willing biters to anglers both trolling as well as jigging. Brown trout have been a welcome sight to many anglers fishing around the mouth of the Platte River, as are smallmouth bass and even carp. The cooler river and lake temperatures have the browns staying shallow longer than normal, and these fish are a hoot to catch while casting minnow baits.
Fly anglers looking to experience something new can target gar, when they come towards the mouth of the Platte to spawn. Long streamers tempt these toothy dinosaur-like fish. Normally looked down upon, gar are a blast to fish for, and can be extremely rewarding on fly. Carp on fly is gaining in popularity, as these fish’s nickname would imply—the golden bonefish. They peel line off of a reel in the blink of an eye, and aren’t the trash fish that they are known for in other waters. Here, they eat minnows, crayfish, and insects. Fly anglers can score fish upwards of 30 pounds on a fly. Not a bad way to stretch some fishing string!
Either a smaller boat that is able to launch in the shallow waters of the Platte River is needed, or a long boat ride from Frankfort or Empire is required to boat fish this awesome area. Spring winds even through June can make for a sporty ride and care should always be taken when making the long run in a small boat, as Lake Michigan can be a force to be reckoned with. But on a nice calm day, the payoff can be as rewarding as the scenery is beautiful.
Capt. Ben Wolfe
Sport Fish Michigan
www.sportfishmichigan.com
(877) 442-4294
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