Ludington Michigan Area Fishing Report

July 13th, 2021

7-12-21 Ludington area Fishing Report from Eric Richards, of Richards' River Guide. River tactics!
Last week's weather ( rain and heat) provided excellent conditions for the rivers and their tributaries. The hot weather warmed up the main river systems. With main river water temps nearing the 70°F mark, the smallmouth bite is about as good as it can get. Soft plastics dominate the bite now, tubes, fat curl tail grubs, dingers and swimbaits all work great. Texas rig them with a small enough bullet sinker that just barely bounces on bottom. Look for rocky shorelines, stumps and log jams. Dont be afraid to throw some loud topwater on the calm, sun drenched inside bends where the water is very calm and the warmest. Most fish will be caught on the soft plastics, but 90 percent of the biggest are caught on topwater. This summer bite will now hold until September. These tactics will work on the Muskegon, The White, The Grand, Manistee and Lower Pere Marquette.
The rain generated from last week's storms gave the upper branches and small tributaries a much needed boost in water levels. Most the of these waters are in the low 60° degree water temp mark. Right where trout will be aggressive. Large bright spinnersize 4 or 5 work well when tossed by any cover including under cut banks and submerged logs. Another effective method that is working is tossing floating stick baits near over hanging brush on the calm side of seams, twitching and few times then let the current give it action while you twitch and retrieve. The summer bite for trout all depends on rain and water clarity. Pick your days if you can, and get on those creeks when the water is rising!