Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: April 11, 2016
Kenosha Co.

• Ramp: No boats were interviewed this weekend.
• Piers: No anglers were interviewed. The water was very turbid from this weekend's north and east winds. Water temperature was 42F.
• Shoreline: No anglers were interviewed. Water temperature was at 42F.
• Pike River: Fishing pressure has remained low this past week on the Pike. Not many anglers were interviewed, but some had success catching steelhead. Anglers reported that most fish were done spawning and seemed to be heading back to the lake already. The rain last week had the water fairly high up through Saturday, but conditions should improve the next few days. The baits of choice were spawn sacs, egg pattern flies, and wooly buggers. Anglers also report seeing quite a few suckers in the creek now as well. Water temperature was up to 48F midweek, but dropped to 44F by the weekend.

Racine Co.

• Ramps: Only one boat was interviewed this weekend. The anglers had some limited success fishing crank baits in 50 feet of water. They had caught 2 coho that day but reported that was the most they had caught in one day so far this year. Better fishing is yet to come.
• Shoreline: Very few anglers were interviewed this week around the harbor. Those interviewed had no luck. Baits of choice included Little Cleo spoons and a variety of crankbaits.
• Piers: No anglers were interviewed. The water was very turbid from this weekend's north and east winds. Water temperature was 42F.
• Root River: Fishing pressure on the Root stayed low this week. The high, muddy water through Friday made for much less than ideal fishing conditions. By Sunday, conditions had slightly improved, allowing anglers to catch a few steelhead. Most effort and success was upstream of Lincoln Park, primarily around Horlick Dam. Baits of choice were spawn sacs, egg fly patterns, and spinners. Water temperature was 42F on Sunday. DNR crews processed fish at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday, April 11. This was the last processing day of the spring season, and the facility is now shut down until the fall salmon run. Over 870,000 Chambers Creek strain eggs and one million Ganaraska strain eggs were collected, and 1,293 steelhead were passed upriver this spring.

Milwaukee Co.

• Milwaukee North: Rain, freezing rain, and snow flurries made fishing a challenge during the week. 10-20 mph north/northeast winds (gusting to 32 mph) and south/southeast winds gusting to 28 mph kept the fishing pressure low. The temperature dropped to the 20’s and 30’s with a wind chill as low as 10F. Gale warnings were in effect Friday and Sunday (April 10) with waves building to 6-8 feet. The water along the lakefront was cloudy/turbid 1-2 miles offshore all week long. Visibility was less than 12” on the lake side of McKinley Pier. Fishing pressure on McKinley Pier continues to be low with only 1-2 anglers occasionally seen on the pier. The surface water temperature on the lake side of the pier was 38-40F during the week. The gate to the McKinley Marina docks was still open for fishing during the week. A 12 pound brown trout was landed on the docks on Sunday (April 3) by an angler casting white gulp. Two anglers landed a couple of nice size browns in Lakeshore State Park lagoons on Easter Sunday while casting white gulp and a ko wobbler from the shoreline. 2-3 anglers on average have been fishing the lagoons during the weekdays and weekends. The water temperature in the lagoons was 42F on Wednesday (April 6) and 46F on Saturday. Brown trout, rainbows, and a couple of coho were landed in the harbor behind Summerfest over the past 2-3 weeks. Anglers reported good luck fishing with fathead minnows and shiners fished on the bottom. Rattling crank baits produced a few browns and rainbows as well. Activity at the McKinley and Riverfront ramps was low during the week but picked up on the weekend. Five boat trailers were counted at the McKinley ramp parking lot on Saturday afternoon and two at the Riverfront ramp. The majority of the boats trolled inside the break wall for brown trout. A couple of boats jigged white gulp and blade baits in the gaps for lake trout but only brown trout were landed on Saturday. The fish cleaning station at McKinley was still closed. One of the county parks employees reported that the fish cleaning stations normally open around the first week in May. The floating docks were in the water at McKinley boat ramp.
• Milwaukee South: The fishing pressure and catch rate tapered off this week due to strong northeast and southeast winds and freezing temperatures. Ice formed on fishing lines and spools over the weekend. The water in the harbor was cloudy/muddy all week long. The water outside the break wall was cloudy/turbid nearly 2 miles offshore. Anglers under the Hoan Bridge at Jones Island landed nice catches of brown trout 2-3 weeks ago on spawn sacks and shiners but reported very few fish landed this week. The largest fish caught during the week was a 10-15 pound carp. A couple of anglers on the Grant Park shoreline were fishing for carp with corn and bread dough at the mouth of the Oak Creek. The Grant Park anglers reported that they started catching carp last year around the last week of April. Nice catches of rainbow trout continue to be caught on the Oak Creek. Anglers had good luck drifting spawn sacks and small tube jigs tipped with wax worms under a slip bobber. A fly fisherman caught 4 rainbows and released 3 of them while drifting a trout bead on Monday (April 4). The water temperature in the creek was 41F on Saturday. The fishing pressure increased on the Oak Creek Power Plant fishing pier. 12-14 anglers were seen on the pier on Wednesday (April 6). A large number of gobies were caught in the discharge chute during the week along with a couple of carp. One angler landed 4 browns (up to 12 pounds) while jigging white gulp in the discharge chute. Another angler landed a 9 pound rainbow while drifting a white tube jig tipped with shrimp under a slip bobber. The power plant pier was closed Friday and Saturday due to large waves and ice. Boats out of Bender Park have been targeting coho and brown trout in 20-30 feet of water in front of the Oak Creek Power Plant. Very few boats were launched at Bender during the week due to the rough weather. Most of the boats launched at South Shore Park fished inside the Milwaukee boat harbor. One of the South Shore boats landed a couple of browns and lake trout on Saturday while fishing inside the break wall. The floating docks were in the water at the South Shore boat launch.
• Milwaukee River: The water level and flow rate decreased during the week but the river was still running fast. The fishing pressure and catch rate has been very low over the past two weeks due to the poor water conditions. The flow rate at Estabrook Park decreased from 2800 cfs last week to 1710 cfs on Sunday (April 11). The water level decreased from 4.52 feet to 3.73 feet. The water temperature decreased from 45F to 38F. The flow rate jumped to more than 2300 cfs after .55” of rain fell on Wednesday (April 6). The water was cloudy/muddy most of the week but started to clear up by the weekend. Visibility was 12-18” on Sunday. Only one fly fisherman was seen at Kletzsch Park on Sunday morning with no reports of fish landed. The angler reported seeing a large number of northern pike jumping below the Kletzsch Park waterfall during the week. No anglers were interviewed at Lincoln Park, Estabrook Park, Hubbard Park, or North Avenue. A large number of suckers were stacked up below the Estabrook Park waterfall a couple of weeks ago along with northern pike (up to 40” in length). Brown trout (around 20” in length), a small northern pike, and a few large carp were landed below the former North Avenue dam fishing area last week. Fishing pressure on the river side of Summerfest continues to taper off with only 1-2 anglers seen during the week. Anglers at Summerfest reported that the catch rate was low due to the high water level and the fast, cloudy water.
• Menomonee River: Approximately .8” of precipitation (snow and rain) fell during the week. The water level and flow rate spiked after .6” of rain fell on Thursday (April 6). The water was clear on the weekend with visibility over 24” at Miller and Three Bridges Park. The water had a copper colored stain. The water temperature decreased from 45F last week to 38F on Sunday (April 10). Fishing pressure decreased again this week with only 2 fly fishermen from Minnesota interviewed on Sunday. The anglers reported no luck casting egg pattern yarn flies for rainbows from Three Bridges Park to Miller Park for 3 hours. The anglers saw lots of suckers on Sunday but no rainbows. One of the anglers caught and released one rainbow at Three Bridges Park on Friday. Most of the fish landed at Miller Park over the past 3 weeks have been suckers and northern pike. A few crappies, bluegills, and rock bass were caught recently at the MMSD fishing site with fathead minnows under slip bobbers. Anglers at the 11th & Bruce Street fishing area landed large carp (10-15 pounds) over the past 2 weeks.

Ozaukee Co.

• Sauk Creek has lowered and cleared up slightly from last week, and the water temperature is around 35 degrees. Fishing pressure has been picking up, many anglers were out on Sunday late morning/afternoon and had some success catching steelhead with spawn sacs and flies. Some reported a few suckers being caught in between. In the harbor, some brown trout and occasional coho have been caught by the north slip using crankbaits. A few brown trout have also been caught near the power plant discharge using shiners.

Sheboygan Co.

• Water levels on the Sheboygan and Pigeon Rivers have dropped to a more normal level, but both are still slightly murky. Both rivers were measured at 34 degrees over the weekend. Fishing pressure has been very low and the few anglers that were interviewed this weekend had no catches. The South pier in Sheboygan had some higher fishing pressure on Saturday, but all anglers interviewed reported no catches.

Northern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: April 11, 2016
Manitowoc Co.

• No report.

Kewaunee Co.

• Fishing pressure has varied throughout the week mostly due to cold and windy weather. On the Kewaunee River the Steelhead bite has been slow, but a number of Steelhead are being caught each day. Anglers are finding Steelhead in both riffles and pools using either spawn sacs, streamers, or egg patterns. The water cleared up substantially in the past few days.

Northern Door Co. and Sturgeon Bay (Lake and Bay sides)

• Fishing pressure has been very low, due to a combination of cold temperatures, recent rain and snow, and ice forming in many of the harbors.
• Lake side of peninsula: Some Brown Trout were caught trolling in Baileys Harbor area along the shorelines in around 10-12 feet of water.
• Sturgeon Bay: Boats have been catching small Brown Trout trolling along shorelines in shallow water, but the bite has been slow in the last week. A few small Northern Pike were caught in town casting small rapalas and spoons along shore.

Green Bay Fishing Report: April 11, 2016
Brown Co.

• Walleye catch rates on the Fox River was low and fishing pressure was light this week. The majority of fish being caught were between the late evening and early morning hours. Highest catch rates were either in deeper holes or near-shore slack water. Crank baits, jigs and minnows are all being used. Around 25 percent of the female walleye are ripe. Most of the rest are hard. Some Whitefish are still lingering in the river. A couple sturgeon were identified near the De Pere dam. Fox River water temperature was in the upper 30s. Due to rain, and the fact that five locks were open on the De Pere dam, water flows were high, fast and turbid. Wading anglers should be careful in these conditions. Ramps are in at the Fairgrounds and Fox Point.
• No anglers were observed at the Suamico launch, Suamico River and Duck Creek.

Oconto Co.

• Last week's weather was a mixture of snow, wind, and cold, dropping the water temperatures into the mid to upper 30's. Fishing pressure at the dams at Menominee, Peshtigo, and Oconto was high with decent catch rates. Most female walleye had not spawned yet, and most anglers were releasing these fish. Anglers from the Dam at Stiles to the Highway 141 Bridge on the Oconto River were have good success fishing walleye using stick baits, zip lures, and jigs. In the last few days large numbers of suckers have started to appear at the Dam. Anglers on the lower Oconto River and boaters from the Pensaukee Boat Landing to Oconto Park II have been catching fewer walleye but are catching some brown trout and northern pike; water temperatures on the Bay are being reported in the upper 30's. Boaters are trolling in 6 to 10 feet of water using stick baits or small spoons.
• Geano's Beach: No anglers were observed at the Geano’s Beach launch.

Marinette Co.

• Last week's weather was a mixture of snow, wind, and cold, dropping the water temperatures into the mid to upper 30's. Fishing pressure at the dams at Menominee, Peshtigo, and Oconto was high with decent catch rates. Most female walleye had not spawned yet, and most anglers were releasing these fish. Fishing pressure at the Dam in Peshtigo has been high this past week with some very nice walleye being caught using stick baits, zip lures, and jigs. Even with the cold weather the parking lots have been full. Suckers are also present at the Peshtigo Dam in large numbers. Less fish are being caught from the 41 Highway Bridge to the mouth of the Peshtigo River. Brown trout are still being caught out of Little River by boaters when the weather permits. Most boaters are fishing in 6 to 10 feet of water trolling stick baits and small spoons. The best action for walleye on the Menominee River has been from the Hattie Street Dam to Stephenson Island, with zip lures, jigs, and stick baits working the best. Some brown trout are also being caught in the same area. As with the Oconto River and the Peshtigo River, fishing success has been lower the farther away from the Dam you get.    

Source
http://www.postcrescent.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/2016/04/14/lake-michigan-fishing-report/83050004/
 

Bell Cow: April 10. Elevation normal, water 60 and muddy. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits along shorelines and riprap. Crappie fair on minnows around docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: April 12. Elevation normal, water low 60s and murky. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs along shorelines. Report submitted by Ryan Walker, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: April 11. Elevation normal, water 60 and murky. Saugeye and striped bass hybrids fair on crankbaits along shallows. Crappie on minnows and jigs around the floating dock. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Chandler: April 10. Elevation normal, water 61 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on spinnerbaits along shorelines. Crappie slow on minnows around docks and along shorelines. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Copan: April 12. Elevation normal, water 60s and clear. Crappie and white bass fair on minnows and jigs at 3-6 ft. along channels, docks and coves. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: April 10. Elevation normal, water 62. Largemouth bass good on jigs and plastic baits along cove and points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 2-5 ft. around brush structure, docks, standing timber and under the Highway 59 Bridge. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Ft. Gibson: April 11. Elevation above normal, water 61 and stained. Crappie fair on tube jigs and hair jigs at 2-5 ft. in and around Taylor's Ferry area, along riprap, brush structure and docks. White bass fair on live shad and sassy shad on bottom along the river channel. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits around brush structure and coves. Report submitted by Rick Stafford, Ft. Gibson.

Grand: April 11. Elevation normal, water 51 and stained. Crappie excellent on 1-2 inch GoGo minnows around docks and coves. White bass fair on bendable minnows at the river mouth and Elk River. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and cut shad at 5-10 ft. in the main lake. Paddlefish good in the Neosho River. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: April 11. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and bill baits along creek channels and around brush structure. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 4-6 ft. Catfish good on fresh cut bait on bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: April 11. Elevation normal, water 60. Paddlefish fair at 13-30 ft. below the dam and along the river channel. White bass good on crankbaits, small lures and sassy shad at 7-12 ft. below the dam, along the river channel and creek channels. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and grubs at 5-9 ft. around brush structure, shorelines and creek channels. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Hulah: April 12. Elevation normal, water 60s and clear. Crappie and white bass slow on minnows and jigs at 3-6 ft. around brush structure, creek channels and coves. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: April 11. Elevation below normal, water 58 and clear. Paddlefish slow below the dam. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 2-8 ft. around brush structure, shorelines and rocks; the spawn is on, fish are shallower in the evenings when water is warmest. White bass and striped bass hybrids slow on in-line spinnerbaits, spoons and sassy shad along creek channels and the river channel; fish are currently under bridges but should move to the creeks to spawn with the recent rains. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad along flats, the river channel and along shorelines. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.

Keystone: April 12. Elevation normal, water 61. Blue catfish good on cut bait along channels. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.

Lower Illinois: April 10. Elevation normal, water 55 and murky. Trout good on white PowerBait and in-line spinnerbaits below the dam and Watts area. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.

Oologah: April 10. Elevation normal, water 60 and murky. White bass fair on jigs and crankbaits at 4-8 ft. in the Verdigris River above the lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 3-6 ft. along standing timber and brush structure. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 4-8 ft. around points. Blue catfish good on cut bait, worms and shad on bottom below the dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: April 12. Elevation above normal, water upper 50s and muddy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around brush structure. White bass and striped bass hybrids slow on jigs and in-line spinnerbaits at 2-6 ft. along creek channels. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Sooner: April 11. Elevation normal, water clear. Striped bass hybrids and striped bass fair on live shad, slabs and topwater lures in the main lake. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: April 10. Elevation normal, water 62 and stained. Largemouth bass good on jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits along shallows and coves. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats and riprap. Walleye slow on crankbaits and jigs along riprap and flats. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Tenkiller: April 11. Elevation above normal, water 58-60 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and coves. White bass good trolling crankbaits in the upper end of the lake and on spoons, in-line spinnerbaits and hair jigs at 5-15 ft. in the river and around points. Crappie good trolling crankbaits mid-lake to the upper end and on tube jigs, minnows and hair jigs at 5-20 ft. around docks and brush structure. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair juglines and flip-flops baited with cut bait, minnows and sunfish along flats and in the main lake. Bluegill good on worms, tube jigs and hair jigs at 3-15 ft. around docks, along shorelines and gravel banks in coves. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson.

Webbers Falls: April 11. Elevation 1 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along creek channels, brush structure and riprap. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and shorelines. Catfish fair on fresh cut shad on bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Source
http://www.claremoreprogress.com/sports/oklahoma-wildlife-department-fishing-report/article_7e9fe5fc-026a-11e6-8184-739c93b8e5d7.html
 

Lake Loramie: The lake “turned on” during the past week with crappies and bluegills hitting all over the lake. Crappies are in the channels and around lily pads, hitting minnows and pearl-colored jigs, imitating shad. Bluegills are biting on waxworms in the channels and along the rocks. Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught. The best spot for saugeyes is the spillway and catfish are biting all over on nightcrawlers, chicken liver and redworms.

Grand Lake St. Marys: Most of the fishing has been for crappies. Fish in the channels with minnows or jigs, around docks and brush. Catfish have been biting on cut shad and nightcrawlers. In the spillway, plenty of saugeyes and walleyes have been hitting brightly-colored 3-inch twisters. A few perch have been caught by crappie fishermen. The Crappie USA tournament is set for the weekend.

Rocky Fork Lake: Good bass fishing has been reported. Anglers are working the points with silver Shad-Raps and black/blue jigs. Look for wood. The crappie bite is improving. They’re hitting minnows and jigs about 10 feet deep at the end of laydowns. Bluegills are around docks, biting on waxworms. A few saugeyes have been caught by casting crankbaits around the south beach.

Paint Creek Lake: The lake is flooded and probably won’t be fishable for several days. Ramps are closed. The only real fishing action is in the spillway where saugeyes are being caught on
chartreuse/red fleck twisters. Catfish are hitting nightcrawlers and chicken liver. Crappies are biting on minnows, black/chartreuse jigs and Triple Ripples.

C.J. Brown Reservoir: If you cast or troll along the rocks on the west bank, you might pick up some largemouth or smallmouth bass or perhaps a walleye. They’ve all been hitting deep-diving crankbaits and jerkbaits. A few crappies have been caught around the marina, mostly with minnows. You’ll have to catch about five crappies to get one keeper. Overall, fishing pressure has been light.

Acton Lake: The fishing is just starting up again after the cold snap. Fish for crappies along the banks with minnows. Bluegills are hitting off of the pier, mostly on waxworms. The early bass bite has been good, using crankbaits in 4-8 feet of water just off of the banks. Look for stumps and laydowns.

Indian Lake: Muddy conditions have slowed fishing. Catfish are biting on cut shad and nightcrawlers. The only decent saugeye fishing has been off of Moundwood in the evenings, using bass minnows and Vib-Es. Try fishing in the river for crappies and yellow perch.

Caesar Creek Lake: Bad weather has kept fishing action to a minimum in recent days. If you go for crappies, use jigs tipped with bass minnows and fish deep, around structure and ledges. For bluegills, fish in shallow water around brush with waxworms. For muskies, troll around the Ohio 73 bridge with spinnerbaits.

Lake Erie: Cold weather and wind have continued to limit Lake Erie fishing opportunities. When conditions have allowed, walleyes have been caught by anglers trolling along the northern and eastern buoys of the Camp Perry firing range. Anglers jigging have caught fish on and around the reefs, nearshore west of the firing range and in Maumee Bay. They’re trolling deep-diving crankbaits or shallow-diving crankbaits with snap weights to catch walleyes in the top half of the water column. Jigging with hair jigs and emerald shiners has produced well.

Maumee River: Rising water levels have caused sporadic results in recent days. Some four-fish limits have been taken, but some anglers are going home with empty stringers. Look for action to pick up as the water level drops and the temperature rises.

Sandusky River: Fishing pressure has been light. There are still many walleyes in the river as spawning has slowed due to the cold water.

Source
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/sports/jim-morris-fishing-report/nq5gF/
 

LAKE MEAD — Largemouth bass fishing has picked up because it’s spawning season and they are easier to find. Look for white circles with a gravel bottom in shallow water. The Nevada Department of Wildlife encourages anglers to practice catch­-and-release when possible during the spawning period. Striper fishing is picking up as well. Despite the rough weather conditions over the weekend, one lucky angler reeled in five stripers.

LAKE MOHAVE — Lake Mohave is starting to produce good stripers as well. Black bass action has been good when the weather cooperates. Largemouth are showing signs of spawning.

LAUGHLIN — Anglers have found good fishing for rainbow trout below Davis Dam and along Casino Row. Some anglers have gone home with their limits. Seasonal trout plants have ended, so trout anglers will have to try different locations to find the fish. Largemouth bass are biting on worms. Striper action has picked up, and one angler from California stopped by Rusty’s Riviera to share the tale of his 19.9-­pound striper that measured more than 38 inches in length. He caught the fish with his favorite lure while fishing from shore just above the nature center area.

LAS VEGAS URBAN PONDS — Seasonal plants of channel catfish are scheduled to begin sometime this week at five ponds around the valley. Those include Floyd Lamb Park, Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City and Hafen Park in Mesquite. Rainbow trout are active and taking a variety of baits. Mealworms and Power Eggs in yellow or orange have been working well.

KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Fishing has been slow in most of the reservoirs this past week but should start to pick up once the spring storm systems move out and temperatures warm up. Visitors can expect muddy road conditions, so the NDOW encourages visitors to use caution while traveling on the management area.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing has been good for most anglers. Over the weekend, several anglers took to the water in float tubes and caught tiger and rainbow trout. Fly-­fishers did well using brown Woolly Buggers, while spin­fishers found success using Mepp’s style lures with either red spots or white spots.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Fishing continues to be good around the lake for rainbow trout. The fish are taking a variety of baits and lures. Fly­-fishermen have been doing well with Woolly Buggers in brown, black or olive colorations.