Indiana Fishing Report – December 18, 2020

Lake: Lake Michigan (shore)
Fishing report: A few lake trout are being caught at nearly every shore spot with access to rip rap and breakwalls that attract lake trout. Deep diving cranks and blade baits, along with spinners or spoons worked slowly near the bottom are good bait choices. Whitefish action has been hit or miss at the Mouth of Burns Ditch at Portage Lakefront Park and the Michigan City Pier. Use small chunks of skein or single eggs on the bottom for whitefish, as they are keying on lake trout eggs recently left by spawning lakers. A few early coho have been caught from piers and lakefront fishing spots.
Date updated: 12/18/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: Lake Michigan Tributaries (Trail Creek, Little Calumet River, Salt Creek)
Fishing report: The lower parts of the Little Calumet/Burns Ditch, and Trail Creek are giving up some winter run steelhead, although the action isn’t hot and heavy. A few skamania holdovers are scattered through the tributaries as well. Single eggs/beads, jigs and waxworms, and small spawn sacks are good baits this time of year as the water is colder and fish are more lethargic. Finding warmer water, such as near groundwater input or industrial discharges, can offer fast action in the colder months. Typically the lower part of the Little Cal from the confluence with Salt Creek has that warmer water this time of year. There are some smaller immature steelhead and a few coho feeding in Burns Ditch, that can be aggressive at times. Trail Creek flow here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?04095300 Little Calumet River here https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=04094000
Date updated: 12/18/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North

Lake: St. Joseph River (below Twin Branch Dam)
Fishing report: This fall and winter, 1,846 steelhead have gone through the fish ladder at South Bend. As cold weather has arrived, the water temp has plunged and the arrival of new fish has slowed down considerably in December. Steelhead action has been ok but not fast and furious. As the water has cooled, fish are transitioning to winter holding areas with moderate current. Anglers reported good success back bouncing spawn, and a few had success with plugs or beads under a float. Most fish are skamania holdovers but a few winter runs are showing up. Look for warm spells with a bit of rain to shift fish around and get action going again.
Date updated: 12/18/2020 12:00:00 AM
Region: North