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Free fishing today, Sunday in Michigan

Outdoors report

IRON MOUNTAIN — It’s “Three Free” weekend in Michigan, featuring free fishing, free use of ORV trails and free entry to state parks and state-managed boating access sites.

Residents and nonresidents can enjoy fishing without a license today and Sunday. All other regulations apply.

To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and 1,300 state-managed boating access sites.

Also, residents and nonresidents can legally ride designated routes and trails this weekend without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Go to Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

WI Women Fish is wrapping up its summer camp today at Sawyer Lake, said Bob Kennard at Midtown Bait & Tackle in Channing. “They’re been doing pretty well, fishing all over the area,” he said.

Anglers otherwise were testing lower Peavy Falls and the Groveland Mine ponds with at least some success, he said.

At Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis., Fay Whisler said bluegills have been biting on leeches while largemouth bass were going after spinner baits. “They’ve been catching some big 14- to 15-inch crappies,” she said.

Northern pike action was reported but most catches were small.

The Michigan DNR said trout streams in the eastern Upper Peninsula currently have fly hatches taking place, which has triggered the trout to start surface feeding. Good waters to try would be the Fox River, Two Hearted River, Sucker River and Au Train River, as they are wider.

Common fly hatches would be sulphur, brown drake, stonefly, caddis and midges, the DNR said. The best times are morning and evening.

The Wisconsin DNR said muskie anglers were out on the lower Menominee River this week. Most reported having a few follows but not getting fish to hit.

The lower Peshtigo River was good for multiple species. Anglers were trying for yellow perch and catching catfish, bowfin, sheepshead, rock bass and northern pike along with the perch.

The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:

Ontonagon: Lake trout fishing was good with mostly small fish being caught. Some also caught coho, kings, steelhead or brown trout. Depths varied up to 100 feet as the fish were scattered. Most were using spoons and crankbaits. Walleye fishing remains hit-or-miss on finding legal size fish. Most are trolling, jigging or drifting.

Keweenaw Bay: Anglers caught lake whitefish when jigging and coho when trolling. Lake trout were caught in Huron Bay and Traverse Bay while trolling in less than 100 feet. There has been minimal pressure on both the Silver and the Falls River.

Au Train: Had good lake trout fishing with limit catches reported. Most are fishing in 140 to 200 feet. The occasional steelhead or brown trout were also caught.

Munising: Boat anglers were fishing early morning though most caught no lake trout. The occasional splake was caught from the Anna River dock. Water temperatures are in the low 50s offshore and 60 degrees or more near shore which is very warm for this time of year.

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