June 25, 2009

July 1, 2009

Fishing in the Ludington area was very good this spring, but has slowed during the past two or three weeks or so as we move into summer. Fishing pressure continues to be light at this time. Some kings are being taken, but it has been noticed that the catch is changing to mostly younger, smaller fish. Captains are reporting mixed bags with Lake Trout and a few Steelhead showing up in the area. The water has warmed considerably, with 71° reported at the beach recently. The strong north winds of the past 2 or 3 days have brought very cold water to the Big Sauble Point area. Few fish are being marked in this colder water. Most fisherman are fishing south of the double zero's

The fish are scattered at all depths making fishing with a variety of depth reaching gear a good plan. The best fishing seems to be over at least 100’ of water (or deeper, perhaps much deeper). Lead core and copper lines of several lengths get the baits away from the boat tend to be the best producers. One Captain reports catching larger fish over 100' deep, in more than 200' of water. Standard size spoons are best in most cases. Glow spoons have been mentioned in recent reports, especially in the dawn early light. Bright colors such as orange or red seem to produce especially on the higher lines especially later in the day. One recent report included a 'meat' rig; other rigs including wire divers have begun to produce some action. A few fish are being taken on Flasher & fly combinations.

Net Special report: One Captain reported being caught up in a net at the 44°05.50 north latitude over the past weekend. No net markings were observed in the immediate vicinity. Efforts are currently under way to determine the accuracy of the report.

Net Alert! The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians currently have several trap nets set in the vicinity of Ludington. Fishermen are urged to use extreme caution when fishing in the vicinity of the nets. Information about the nets and other related information can be found by clicking on the "Net Alert" icon on the Ludington Area Charterboat Association website's home page.

A new listing of nets will be posted today (July 1) or tomorrow including a full description of how the nets are marked.

Check the “Net Alert” frequently as update as new information is posted when available. Click here to view the information under the Net Alert icon on the Ludington Area Charterboat Association website's home page for the locations of the nets and additional information about the net markings and related information. Save and print a copy of the net locations for your boat. Then use your 'back' button to return to the fishing report.

For access to the Coastwatch Lake temperature contours choose our link to: www.coastwatch.msu.edu

A Coastwatch tip: If the current port map is not clear due to clouds, you may find a better recent image in the coastwatch archives accessed from a link on the page.

Other links from our site lead to local and marine weather reports. For current and future Great Lakes wind and wave conditions, try the link for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Labs': Lake wave and wind forecasts

Thank you for visiting the Ludington Area Charterboat Association website.

The Ludington Area Charterboat Association.

www.ludingtoncharterboats.org