Overview
Lake Michigan is a popular destination for anglers, offering a variety of fish species including trout, salmon, and perch. The fishing conditions on Lake Michigan are constantly changing, and staying informed about the latest reports and recommendations is crucial for a successful fishing trip.
Current Fishing Conditions
As of August 5, 2024, the fishing conditions on Lake Michigan are as follows:
Southern Lake Michigan
Kenosha County
- Boating anglers are targeting Chinook, coho, rainbow trout, and lake trout in 180 to 225 feet of water, using green spoons and green flasher flies.
- Shore anglers are catching perch near shore.
Milwaukee County
- Fishing has been great, with boaters catching a limit of trout and salmon.
- Cohos are still being caught, and Chinooks and steelhead are increasing in numbers.
Racine County
- Boat anglers are targeting Chinook, coho, and rainbow trout in 100 to 150 feet of water.
- Shore anglers are catching perch and rainbow trout, with occasional cohos.
Northern Lake Michigan
Door County
- Sturgeon Bay: Shore anglers are targeting smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
Kewaunee County
- Algoma: Boaters are targeting trout and salmon in 110 to 140 feet of water, using darker-colored spoons. Surface temperatures range from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Kewaunee: Boaters are targeting trout and salmon in 140 to 150 feet of water, using blue and green spoons. Surface temperatures range from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recommended Fishing Gear and Tackle
For successful fishing on Lake Michigan, the following gear and tackle are recommended:
| Gear/Tackle | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| MoonShine Trolling Spoons | Effective for catching salmon |
| Green Spoons and Flasher Flies | Popular choices for targeting trout and salmon in deeper waters |
| Minnows | Effective for catching yellow perch in shallower waters |
| Night Crawlers | Useful for catching smallmouth bass in 5 to 10 feet of water |
Best Fishing Spots
Some of the best fishing spots on Lake Michigan include:
- Sawyer Harbor: Known for yellow perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass fishing.
- Port Washington Ramps: Effective for catching steelhead and Chinooks in deeper waters.
- Sturgeon Bay: Popular for smallmouth bass and yellow perch fishing.
- Algoma: Good spot for targeting trout and salmon in deeper waters.
Water Temperatures
As of August 5, 2024, the water temperatures on Lake Michigan range from 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average of 73 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional Resources
For more detailed and up-to-date fishing reports, visit the following resources:
- Lake Michigan Angler: Offers fishing logs, gear recommendations, and discussion boards for various areas of Lake Michigan.
- Wisconsin DNR: Provides regular fishing reports and updates on fishing conditions in Wisconsin.