The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fishing Report for the Western Upper Peninsula as of Oct. 22

Ontonagon River: Angling efforts on the river were very low over the past week. Angler reports included catches of northern pike and walleye in low numbers. The floating docks in the Ontonagon Marina were removed from the river for the season. The fish cleaning station at the Ontonagon Marina was also closed for the season.

Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Angling efforts from Ontonagon were very low over the past week. Efforts from Union Bay and Silver City were somewhat high on days when weather permitted reasonable lake access. Reported catches consisted mainly of lake trout in high numbers. Anglers reported finding fish when trolling in water depths of approximately 100 to 130 feet. Some anglers found luck jigging in depths of approximately 60 feet.

Black River Harbor: Angling efforts from the harbor were low over the past week. Recent catches consisted of lake trout in fair numbers and coho salmon in low numbers. Reports suggested that anglers had the best luck when trolling in water depths of 100 to 120 feet. Some anglers fishing from the mouth of the river had luck catching coho salmon using both natural and artificial baits.

Keweenaw Bay/ Huron Bay: Anglers reported fair salmon fishing. Coho salmon were caught while trolling spoons, crankbaits, and flasher/flies in the upper portions of the water column within the bays and around river mouths. Boat anglers also reported catches of lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake. Shore anglers had some success catching coho salmon and splake.

Traverse Bay/Portage Entry: There was extremely low fishing effort from these ports last week. However, anglers reported good lake trout fishing. Anglers trolling spoons and flasher/flies reported most lake trout were caught shallow around structure in 30 to 60 feet of water. Anglers jigging reported most fish were caught in 70 to 100 feet using natural presentations.

Fishing tip: Salmon and steelhead

As water temperatures continue to drop, salmon and steelhead start staging near river mouths before making their run upstream. This is a great time to target them from shore using spoons, spinners, or fresh spawn sacks. Focus your efforts during early morning or late evening hours when fish are most active, and don’t overlook slightly stained water–it can give you the edge by making fish less wary.