Northern Lower Peninsula Fishing Report – September 28th, 2012

Indian River

Perch fishing has been good on Mullett and Burt lakes. A few walleyes also have been caught, but action has been fair at best. Grouse hunting has been decent and should improve as the leaves start falling.
Pat & Gary’s Party Store, (231) 238-6776.

Kalkaska Area

Salmon fishing has been pretty good on the Manistee River and the Boardman River. Spawn has produced the best results, and a few fly patterns have picked up fish, too. Bass fishing has been slow on area inland lakes, and fishing pressure has been light. Grouse hunting has been good, with lots of birds in the area. Action should improve in coming weeks.
Jack’s Sport Shop, (231) 258-8892.

Wellston Area

Salmon fishing has been pretty good on the Manistee River and in Manistee Lake. Spoons and spawn have produced pretty good results. Grouse hunting should be good, but hunting pressure has been light, so far. Most hunters are waiting for the leaves to fall.
Pappy’s Bait & Tackle, (231) 848-4142.

Houghton Lake Area

Perch fishing has been good on Houghton Lake in 12 feet of water along the cabbage weed. Fair numbers of bluegills and crappies are hitting in the east bay. Walleye fishing has slowed a little, and anglers are having to sort through their catch for the keepers. Grouse hunting is off to a good start so far, with great flush rates being reported. Action should improve when the leaves start falling.
Lyman’s on the Lake, (989) 422-3231.

Higgins Lake Area

Perch fishing has been good on Higgins Lake, but fishing pressure has been light. The best action has come to anglers fishing off Treasure Island in about 30 feet of water along the drop-off. Grouse hunting has been good, and bird numbers appear to be up. Early archery season should be fair. Deer numbers are down.
Higgins Lake Sport & Tackle, (989) 821-9517.
Phoenix Party and Bait Store, (989) 821-7220.

Hubbard Lake Area

Perch and walleye fishing has been good on Hubbard Lake. Perch are hitting leaf worms and minnows fished in 12 to 15 of water. Walleyes are being caught on nightcrawler harnesses and small stickbaits in 40 to 45 feet of water. Hunting pressure has been light, but there are decent numbers of grouse and woodcock in the area.
Side Door Bait and Tackle, (989) 736-6418.