Published: May 08, 2008 09:56 am         

Catch and release still on for bass

The walleye, northern pike and muskellunge opener for the Upper Peninsula inland waters not otherwise closed to fishing, while waters of the Great Lakes and St. Mary's River will open on May 15, the Michigan Department of Resources said Wednesday in its weekly fishing report.

Anglers are reminded that the early bass season is catch and release only, and that all bass must be returned to the water immediately.

Charlevoix: Perch anglers did catch some fish in 50 feet of water along the northwest side of the lake, but the fish seem to be scattered.

Petoskey: A few boats have been out looking for lake trout in shallow waters.

Bear River: Recent rains pushed some steelhead into the river. Try spawn or flies.

Elk Lake: The walleye anglers have not been out. Those looking for smallmouth bass were fishing the southern end of the lake near the Whitewater Township Park. Anglers were casting tubes and rapalas in 10 feet of water but no fish were caught.

Skegemog Lake: Anglers have been targeting walleye north of the Torch River, along the southern end of the lake and near the narrows. Most are trolling, casting or drifting in 10 to 25 feet of water with rapalas, leeches and jigs. Pike and muskie were caught near the public access site and the narrows in seven to 15 feet of water. The majority of bass anglers can be found along the south end of the lake near the Desmond Marsh area in four to 10 feet of water. Try using tubes, spinners or jerk baits. Perch anglers have been drifting or still-fishing near the narrows and the mouth of the river. Try minnows and wigglers in waters up to 25 feet deep.

Traverse City: In the East Bay, those fishing off Dock Road in the early morning have caught some brown trout and steelhead. West winds in this location have improved the fishing. Whitefish have been caught off the white wall along the southern end of the bay. Jigging worked best. Lake trout fishing has been excellent with limit catches taken. Many fish were over 25 inches.

Long Lake: The walleye are hitting on crawler harnesses after dark.

Frankfort: Brown trout have been caught in the harbor and in Platte Bay when using spoons or rapalas. Good colors were orange, blue and white.

Portage Lake: Perch fishing slowed as it appears the bigger fish are done, but lots of small fish are still being caught. Bluegill and crappie are starting to hit, but the action was still spotty. Boat anglers trolling along the north shore have caught northern pike and walleye.

Manistee: High winds have made fishing on the big lake a challenge however a few browns were caught by boat and pier anglers. Some perch were also caught.

Manistee River: Rain and high water continues to hamper trout fishing. There might still be some steelhead up near Tippy Dam, but that could end at any time.

Manistee Lake: The walleye bite has started.

Hamlin Lake: Lots of pike have been caught when trolling body baits in the shallows, but most of the fish were small. Some big bluegills were caught on wax worms or leaf worms in the upper lake in 15 to 30 feet of water.