This page was last updated on DEC 22 2011 11:43 A.M.
Lake Michigan
For more information about the lake please click on the lake name above.
Description:
N/A
Fish
Lake Whitefish
Description:
Distributed throughout the Great Lakes, the lake whitefish is a subfamily member of the salmons that spends most of its time in the deep waters of Lake Michigan. This cold-water species moves into shallower waters during early spring and fall to spawn, becoming more accessible to anglers. A popular foodfish, the whitefish has a subtle pearl color on its back and sides and averages 2-5 lbs in size.
Bait: Salmon eggs, pieces of nightcrawlers
Depth: Bottom
Comments about fish:
Shore anglers are still catching whitefish off the Michigan City Lighthouse Pier. Salmon eggs or pieces of nightcrawlers fished right on the bottom are top producers.
Rainbow or steelhead trout
Description:
Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.
Bait: Pier: Shrimp, nightcrawlers, skein Tribs: Spawn sacs, shrimp, spinners
Depth: Deeper holes & runs
Comments about fish:
Shore anglers caught small numbers of chrome steelhead this week in the harbor of MC. Shrimp or N/C suspended under a float were the two top producing baits this week. Steelhead were also caught along Burns Ditch. Most of the action in Trail Cr is occurring in the middle/upper reaches. Fish are scattered throughout Salt Cr. The lower reaches of the E Br yielded some pretty nice catches this week. Spawn sacs continue to be the top producing bait with shrimp a distant second. To be effective, you must keep your offerings bouncing along the bottom in the deeper holes.
Comments about body of water:
Surface water temp in the harbor of MC was 43°F with visibility > 18's". All of Indiana’s tribs to LM are in great shape with average flows & good visibility. Water temp of Trail Cr at Friendship Gardens was 42° F as of this morning. Indiana’s tribs were stocked with winter run steelhead fingerlings last week. We ask that all anglers who accidently catch these fingerlings to play them quickly & gently release them. These fingerlings are the future lake & stream fishery.
