Cold water changes the fishing in Saugatuck

Big changes in the fishing this past week. On Wednesday, we had a strong blow with with 4 to 8 foot seas and winds out of the north. The surface water cooled from 70 degrees to 49 degrees in shallow water and 52 degrees in the 100 foot depth we have been fishing. It was 39 degrees on the bottom and 15 foot down was 44 degrees. Big change in temperature for the fish and the bite was slowed somewhat. Our creel numbers ranged from 6 to 12 fish per trip with most of the creel consisting of lake trout. This was somewhat disappointing since the salmon we just beginning to add to the creel. As the lake stabilized, by this past weekend, we started taking 2 to 4 salmon and steelhead each trip.

Once again the lake trout were primarily taken with green Spin n Glos pulled behind tin can and white Gold Star Flashers. The salmon and steelhead were caught on silver and silver and green plugs pulled on the 100 and 200 copper and silver mountain dew flashers with Rapture green hypnotist flies on 300 copper.

With another forecasted blow for Monday and 4 to 8 foot predicted seas, we will probably see another change in the water temperature and a change in the fish location. If we see another temperature turn over, we may find more of the silver fish (salmon and steelhead) around the warmer river water and the piers. Time will tell.

This past week we have had a couple of groups that have taken advantage of Catch and Cook and had their catch prepared at selected restaurants. If you are interested in the Catch and Cook program or want to book a fishing charter, email me at captron@chartermichigan.com or call me at 888-253-8372.