DNR Fishing Report
Last updated: March 18, 2026
Check out Michigan's Trout Trails — biologist-verified trout waters that are often lesser known. This map includes detailed descriptions and photos for each site, as well as information for area lodging, restaurants and guide services to assist with trip planning. In addition, site-specific information such as the trout species available, regulations, stocked or natural reproduction and more is all at your fingertips!
All anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have a fishing license. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing your license on the app.
Little Bay de Noc: Anglers reported fair walleye fishing during the week of the walleye season close. Anglers used set lines with treble hooks or small spoons baited with live minnows. They also jigged gliding baits and spoons. Anglers reported fair to slow perch fishing. Weather conditions included heavy snowfall, which made travel on the ice difficult.
Les Cheneaux Islands: Last week, anglers caught a few perch and cisco in Hessel Bay and perch in Urie Bay. With the weather, recent fishing was nearly impossible, and anglers had to dig out their snowmobiles and shanties before even considering heading back onto the ice.
Munising: The coho salmon bite was good for anglers this past week. Anglers targeting perch reported good numbers. The whitefish bite was tough but was picking up for some anglers. Burbot and smelt were also reported by anglers pursuing them at night. Popular baits included eggs and minnows.
Fishing tip: Be cautious!
Late ice conditions can change quickly in March. Anglers should check ice thickness often, especially near shorelines, river mouths, and pressure cracks where ice tends to weaken first.
This report is intended to give you an idea of what is going on around the state. Updates come from Fisheries staff and conservation officers. With more than 11,000 inland lakes, the Great Lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not all locations can be listed. However, it is safe to say if a species is being caught in some waters in the area, they are likely being caught in all waters in that section of the state that have that species.