SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Lake trout and splake season closed Sept. 30 in Management Units MM 1-5 on Lake Michigan and MH 1-2 on Lake Huron.  The cool wet weather has helped bring salmon and trout close to shore and up into the rivers, but the bite has been a bit slow.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joseph: Boat anglers are still catching lake trout even though the action has slowed. Most were caught in 100 feet or so. Pier fishing is slow for all species. Perch fishing slowed with only a few caught in 40 feet.   

St. Joseph River: A few coho, the occasional Chinook and a couple fresh steelhead were moving through the ladder at Berrien Springs.    

South Haven: Boat anglers continue to catch a few lake trout in 80 to 100 feet. Pier fishing was slow but perch fishing was good with a decent number caught in 35 feet. 

Grand Haven: Boat anglers are catching lake trout along the bottom in 100 to 150 feet with a yellow spin-glo and flasher. Pier anglers reported slow salmon action. 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Is producing Chinook, coho and even a couple steelhead. Most are fishing up near the Sixth Street Dam with spawn bags, skein, thunder sticks and small spoons. 

Grand River at Lansing: Had a good push of coho around the Webber Dam Monday morning. Fish were also being caught near the Portland Dam. Most are using spinners or spawn. Water levels are high which is not good for those looking to wade. 

Looking Glass River: Was producing some pike off Babcock’s Landing and in the city of Dewitt. Those using spinners or rattle traps have caught a few keepers. 

Clinton County: Anglers at Motz Park were taking bluegills on a piece of crawler from both the northwest and the east lake. Largemouth bass were hitting on plastics. Muskrat Lake was producing some crappie in shallower waters just off the boat launch.   

Muskegon: Pier anglers are catching freshwater drum while casting spoons. 

Muskegon River:  Is producing salmon but the run has been on the slow side. A couple brown trout were caught and those targeting smallmouth continue to do well.    

Whitehall: Had no boat anglers due to poor weather conditions. Pier anglers casting spoons or still-fishing with spawn bags in the early morning caught the odd coho. Those casting body baits or jigs caught walleye early morning or late evening.    

White River: Those fishing the lower stretches reported slightly higher numbers of new fish entering the system. Try casting body baits in the early morning or drifting skein and spawn bags through the deeper holes.