Lake Michigan Sportfishing
Michigan City, IN
STATE RECORD: 26.62 lb, Trail Creek, 1999 by Evan Nicholson. STATE RECORD: 29.25 lb, Lake Michigan, 1993 by Harold Rodriguez. Fish Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri. FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE: Sportfishing Dated, but still true today. An Interesting Challenge. Lake Michigan "Yellow Perch" While not considered "standard fare" in a discussion of the species, DISTRICT 10 HEADQUARTERS The DNR also provides an updated Lake Michigan Fishing Report Web site: UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
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STEELHEAD TROUT "SKAMANIA" STRAIN
The "high-flying" acrobat that hits like a stick of dynamite. Beautiful colors. Summer run variety. Available in migratory streams all winter. Returns to Lake after spawn. (Not to be confused with the "winter trout")
Most charter captains find these deep runners
on a regular basis. You might just hook the BIG one.
BROWN TROUT
Generally the most elusive of the group, but learned techniques could have you catching them consistently.
STATE RECORD, 29.3 lb, Lake Michigan, 2006 by Glen Duesing.
Early Spring brings a ravenous feeding orgy, and plenty of bouncing rods are enough to forget the chill in the air.
STATE RECORD: 20 lb 12 oz, Lake Michigan, 1972 by John Beutner.
(This size is NOT a misprint.)
CHINOOK "King" SALMON
Wait til you get a hold of one of these reel burning, line stripping monsters of the deep.
STATE RECORD: 38 lb, Trail Creek, 1980 by Rich Baker.
Ideas for Thought Short but quick ideas.
A member of the Walleye Family.
Never to be compared to the salt water "Ocean Perch", the delicious
white meat of this fresh water variety is a delicacy of the Midwest.
Perch can be very finiky and elusive .... or very cooperative and abundant.
Schools and patterns change almost daily.
Variable conditions could also have you just a few yards from a "hot spot".
But locating and dropping anchor over a school provides plenty of
rod bending action, and the pull of a "Jumbo" adds to the excitement.
Minnows and Crawfish tails are the top bait, fished near the bottom on a Crappie style rig.
If the Perch are biting, be ready to pull in some "double headers".
When they are scattered, drift fishing from the 12' to 50' depths can be productive,
and you may locate a nice school. Pier fishing can also be rewarding.
you may have heard, or seen, of anglers hooking and/or landing such varieties as
Walleye, Cisco, Drum, Catfish, and Largemouth Bass. Some areas of
rocky shoreline are reported to produce Smallmouth Bass.
Last but not least is the endangered species, Lake Sturgeon.
Report any catches or sightings to the DNR.
If caught, release immediately.
• STATE RECORDS / FISH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM •
Anglers are encouraged to submit catches for recognition. The DNR page provides simple rules,
and a PDF form to print. Enter YOUR catch. (PDF Requires Acrobat Reader)
SUBMIT FISH
IDNR Gallery has some photos of fish submitted.
STATE RECORD/FISH OF THE YEAR PHOTOS
FISHING LICENSE
You must possess a valid Indiana State Fishing License
if you are age 17 - 64. (Resident or non-resident.) The Trout/Salmon Stamp
is additional, and is required for those species.
Non-resident one day license includes the Trout Stamp. Review the
Indiana Fishing Regulations Booklet for current information and fees.
The Annual Indiana License is valid Apr. 1 - Mar. 31.
Be a computer Geek, and get your Indiana License On-Line!
PURCHASE LICENSE (from the DNR).
NOTE: obtaining a license on-line only validates a purchase of the trout stamp. You will not have the "lick-on" Salmon/Trout Stamp.
Save your old license, some people collect them.
REMINDER: Boaters venturing out into Lake Michigan from Indiana can easilly find themselves fishing in Michigan or Illinois waters. You do need the fishing license of the respective state if you are on their water.
(No, you cannot catch the limit in "Michigan Water", then cross the boundary and catch another limit in "Indiana Water".)
DNR LAW ENFORCEMENT DISTRICT
100 Water Street
Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 879-5710
This office is located on the South Side of Trail Creek by the bridge as you enter Washington Park. Visitors are welcome. Information and brochures available. Beautiful display room with many mounted fish and fish displays, as well as birds and other wildlife.
LAKE MICHIGAN REPORT
Or select a report from the region of your choice within Indiana:
SELECT REGION
Other interesting data at:
www.state.in.us/dnr
DNR Fish & Wildlife Website:
www.ai.org/dnr/fishwild/index.htm
Michigan City is fortunate to have the USCG Station right here on the mouth of Trail Creek.
Drive by to see the unique rescue vessel. The neat "self-righting" vessel was retired in 2002, and has been replaced with # 44375. Or stop in if you need any information regarding Lake Michigan Boating requirements. Remember one thing ... flares are REQUIRED on the big lake.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
Washington Park Marina
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 879-8371
The DNR and the Coast Guard DO patrol the surrounding waters, and may perform random spot checks for safety and/or licenses. They are especially active on Holidays when water traffic increases. Don't be surprised if a Conservation Officer "sneaks up" to your boat driving a Jet Ski and requests to see your safety gear.
For those who operate a vessel on Indiana waters:
The legal BAC is now 0.08.
Why buy, if you forget to apply........
Have your current, valid, and AFFIXED watercraft registration.
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E-Mail: rbmc@netnitco.net