Sportsmen's Direct REPORT

[raisinrat]

After a weekend of rain we have started to get back in the groove again out on the lake. The water had cooled a little thanks to the rain, but has this weekend grows near we should be back in good shape again. There has been a lot of wood kick out of the rivers so watch for debris in the water has you move about out there. We are starting to see a mayfly in the morning, but they are very light right now.

We now have large bass minnow and leeches in stock. Also we have sales going currently in the store and online. 25% off just about all panfish plastics, 30% off Rapala original and Jointed Raps, 30% Wyandotte worms and a few other things. All remaining X-Zone products are $3.99 and is in store only on those.


Bass: As of yesterday the fishing has picked back up to pre rain catch rates for guys. We have fish in all three stages on the lake right now and we should see schools of fry soon in the shallows and around weeds. Anglers are having success with a wide array of lures right now. Senko/Dinger type worms, drop shot baits, tubes, cranks, swimbaits and some spy bait action is happening right now. With the mayfly starting the top 1/3 of the water column could be the place to be in some areas so the topwater bite should start to happen soon. The depths guys are targeting are varied , from 12 to 2 FOW. But that is expected, while the fish are in all three stages.Selfridge, Miles Roads and the bays have been good places to start your hunt for the Lake St. Clair bronzebacks.




Walleye: The queenside is still the most productive part of the main lake. The stained water near metro and Gino's is still producing fish. From what I am seeing guys are fishing way to deep the large schools of bait fish are in tight to shore. Those that have casted at night from a boat or shore have been getting a few just about every night so the fish are there but scattered.

The St. Clair river has been good for those Jigging, Whipping and pulling harness. We have gotten reports from all three channels.

Perch: Scattered is the best way to put it right now. You do have to work for them a bit, but they can be had.

Gills/Sunnies: Beds have started to pop up in a few areas and the catch rates are still good on these guys through the whole lake US and Canada side.


Catfish: Harley Ensign, Metro Point and Spillway are producing fish. Shrimp, and green crawler have been working best, and both are in stock.

[djkimmel]

Thanks for the fishing report from the big lake!

[raisinrat]

We have had lots of pop showers which have added color along the shoreline in some areas which has helped the shore fishing and also the walleye fishing. The main lake has remained fairly clear despite all the rain and wind. Fishing overall has been good all over the lake. Like all weeks there are some off days and some days they are really on!!!

Bass: There are still fish in all phases but the post spawn pattern has been the strongest. 6 to 12 FOW is the go to depths right now. The following baits have been flying off the shelf here at the shop for local and out of towners alike, so I think it's safe to say this is what they are catching them on.:lol:

1) Soft Swimbaits such has Kietech, Strike King, Stank X Bait and Micro spoons
2) Spybaits from Duo and Lucky Craft mostly in the 80 sizes
3) Dropshot worm style baits like the Dream Shot, Robo Worm and Z Drop Worm
4) Tubes in Green Pumpkin, Formula G3, Sweet Green and Goby Colors
5) Senko style baits have also been solid choice at the northern end of the lake from the reports we have gotten in.

Baits like Erie Darters, Fin-S, and Shad Shape worms are also great choice all summer on the dropshot rigs.



Walleye: The up and down keeps going on but since the weeds have really popped up in some areas guys are starting to catch them. The Mayflies are hatching to get those harnesses up high in the top 2 to 4 feet of the water column just above the weeds and you should get into the walleye there has been limits caught in the past week

Perch: Reports are coming in of 20 fish days of nice keepers from throughout the lake. 400 Club and off the Clinton River have been good for the guys. Perch Rigs and slip floats. Work the weed beds.

Gill/Sunnies: They are on the beds through out much of the lake

Muskie: For the most part the season has started off ok for guys. The fish have started moving to the near shore structure and the deep weed lines.

White Bass: Have started to really show up throughout the lake right now. Great action has happened off the Clinton river from shore and Metro. If you're in a boat look for bird working and the area and boils from them pushing shiners to the surface has they feed.

[raisinrat]

Ok I am with you guys, mother nature needs to settle herself down so we can fish in stable conditions. Instead we have been dealing with the every changing weather this past week or so. But with that said guys are still having some great days on the water. I did notice an algae bloom in the shallow near the shop here a few days ago. The Emerald shiner spawn is in the last few weeks of it so the lake should have a nice influx of them in the lake soon which may help the perch bite. Also it seems like just about ever bug that hatches in this lake is hatching right now. So you guys in the go really fast boats cover up. :lol:

Bass:From all the reports I am hearing the spawn is basically done so we should start seeing fry any day now on the lake. The best depths have been from 8 to 12 FOW. DT 6's &10's, Strike King XD3 and other similar diving cranks have been productive. Drop-shot rigs have also been a high percentage producer for guys. Tubes are always a favorite. Spy baits have also been catching fish when things get stable for a few days.

Perch: Guys that are putting the work in have been getting them. Other then that guys have been keeping tight lipped on location and depth.

Walleye: Best thing to say is spotty in the lake, the St. Clair River is the best place for constant bite.

Gill/Sunnies: They are the beds and very large fish are being caught out on the main lake.

Muskie: What few reports I got seems the Canadian side was best.

[Firefighter Jeff]

   Thanks for the reports Justin.  I can't take advantage living so far away but I'm sure some here can.