Berrien Springs Dam Fishing Report

 No Ice )

This week we have weighed in 3 nice size Brown Trout varying in weight from 12 to 17 pounds. Looks the Browns have been caught in the shallower depths on Orange Spoons while fishing for the Steelhead. Salmon fishermen have been fishing different depths from 100 to 200 feet of water and beyond. Summer Steelhead are caught in front of the pier on out to 80 foot. Summer Run Steelhead are caught on anything red or orange. When the cooler water temps are in close in turn are the Steelhead. Thin Fins, Hot N Tots and also spoons are the lures of choice for the Steelhead. Lake Trout are caught all over. (muck-boy.com)

Fishing methods other fisheries. Since the river is run with summer fish lots of people use floating or sink tip lines with spey flies, streamers, and big marabou patterns. Black colors like purple and black are good, though some angler like orange and pink. It depends on the mood of the fish. Many other colors may be excellent. Another technique, particularly in the winter since the river is so deep, is with the use of a slinky and running line. To get down is a must throughout the winter when water temperatures are cold. This is the best technique for fly anglers looking to fish this river. (flyfishingconnection.com)

 this year have made for less than ideal ice conditions. That being said, the recent cold weather has helped to start forming safe ice on many of our local lakes. Ice reports have been varying and most lakes are averaging around 4 – 5 inches of safe ice. Generally exercise extreme caution when exploring new lakes. Use a spud if you’re planning to venture onto new lakes that haven’t been accessed still. (dandrsports.com)

The St. Joseph River is a well-recognized trout, salmon and steelhead fishery that’s stocked annually with around 250, 000 fish. Fishing in the river peaks in early spring and again in fall. The dam in Berrien Springs is 23 miles upriver from Lake Michigan, and features a fish ladder for spawning fish to navigate upstream. Above the dam is Chapin lake, a 600-acre reservoir that offers year-round fishing for bass, walleye and panfish also to spring- and fall-run trout, salmon and steelhead. Some the St. Joseph River’s smaller tributaries like Lemon Creek, Farmers Creek and Love Creek also offer opportunities to catch both native and stocked trout. (traveltips.usatoday.com)

. Anglers are fishing as far south as Portage Point, however open water starts around the Breezy Point so use caution in these regions. Ice conditions were good in the northern bay, however not as good near Portage Point. Saunders Point had a big area of open water that just froze over and was considered dangerous. Walleye catches were stated during the bay, however the southern waters were best. Anglers stated just action at the Escanaba ship docks or just south of the Escanaba River in 18 to 22 feet of water. Some number of big pike also were stated in this area. Just numbers of perch were being caught between the second and 3rd reefs. (outdoornews.com)

Great River at great Rapids: Has a good number of steelhead with some brown trout. Anglers are doing well at the dam and the stretch before the dam with pink or chartreuse spawn bags filled with about four eggs. Use 4- to 6-pound test and small hooks. Those fishing off the Fulton Street Bridge caught trout on Hot-n-Tots. At Riverside Park, crappie and bluegills were hitting on minnows, leaf worms or wax worms. Some walleye were caught on the gravel at night when back-bouncing. (heraldpalladium.com)

Higgins Lake: Lake trout fishing was hot! Fish have been caught in 80 to 110 feet when using greys or jigging Swedish pimples, sand kickers and raps. Perch were caught up by the church camp, B&B Sports, Kelley Beach near Flag Point, and Lincoln Avenue on the south end near the State Park. Anglers can also want to attempt around the major Island. Fish were caught in 30 to 60 feet. Some pike are being caught on tip-ups as well as one 47 inch fish. No word on whitefish still. (record-eagle.com)

Saginaw Bay: Ice fishing was still going strong but ice near the shoreline was to get bad. It isn’t a smart idea to be drive or park on the ice. Spring run-off was starting to stain the water. The days of ice fishing are numbered but walleye are now moving closer. Those heading off White s Beach for walleye have to be cautious near the pressure crack. Some perch were caught off the end of Newman Road and Townline Road. At Linwood, walleye were in 15 feet of water but the shoreline ice is to get bad. Walleye were caught in three to nine feet off the Bay City State Park. Those venturing out from Sunset Bay Marina caught some walleye from the Slot in 13 feet. (shorelinemedia.net)

Saginaw Bay: Ice conditions on the bay and the river are deteriorating but those fishing near shore in some places are starting to get some nice perch. Palmer Road was producing perch in 5 to 10 feet of water and some walleye were caught in 10 to 12 feet. There was good perch fishing off White’s Beach in 6 to 8 feet and off Cody-Estey Road and Newman Road in 5 to 7 feet. Attempt minnows or minnow heads on small spoons. Catch rates were better throughout the week, too lots of people on the ice throughout the weekends. Those fishing at Bay City State Park stated seeing lots of walleye through the ice, however they didn’t bite. (macombdaily.com)