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MFF US Midwest => Indiana => Topic started by: vexologist on Nov 10, 2014, 10:20 PM

Title: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 10, 2014, 10:20 PM: Just curious if anyone has been out yet or heard if any whitefish have been showing up along the piers? MC Pier or Portage Riverwalk/Lakefront..Any info would be greatly appreciated..PM me if you desire..Thx
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 11, 2014, 07:32 AM: heard they've been caught up in Michigan. Should be any day now, especially with this cold weather

MC Pier will be hard to get to since the drawbridge is now closed. Have to go the back way (Karwick to LakeShore) to get to Washington Park
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 11, 2014, 09:14 AM: How long will the bridge be closed? Thanks for the heads up!!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 11, 2014, 09:16 AM: I'm not sure. I heard 45 days but not sure if that is accurate or not. Sounds like it will be a significant amount of time though
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 11, 2014, 09:18 AM: Awesome..Thx MC for the update and heads up!!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 11, 2014, 04:59 PM: this is a big bummer really. Sure got to go a long way around!! I'm sure it's the best time of the year for them to do it though.
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 12, 2014, 07:52 AM: You might be able to sneak by B&E by Blue Chip to Lake Shore Dr... I just usually go Karwick because I am coming from that direction. This weather sure ought to bring in the whitefish and the winter runs
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 12, 2014, 05:22 PM: Quote from: MC_angler on Nov 12, 2014, 07:52 AM
You might be able to sneak by B&E by Blue Chip to Lake Shore Dr... I just usually go Karwick because I am coming from that direction. This weather sure ought to bring in the whitefish and the winter runs

Oh yea!!! Gettin pumped just thinking about winter runs and whitefish...Keep us posted MC! Thx!!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 13, 2014, 11:41 AM: One other question in regards to whitefish..What is the Indiana regs. for Whitefish? Bag Limit and size? Thx
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 13, 2014, 12:50 PM: http://www.eregulations.com/indiana/fishing/lake-michigan/

Don't take my word for it on the internet, look it up yourself!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 13, 2014, 05:24 PM: Awesome Thx! Time to limit out..LOL
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 18, 2014, 06:38 AM: Any action? Or for coho? Is this cold causing movement? I also heard something about a new ramp on Trail, any truth to that?
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 18, 2014, 07:27 AM: i have not heard about a new ramp on Trail, but that doesn't mean much haha.

Coho probably won't be around for awhile yet - not until Trail Creek is warmer than Lake Michigan I would guess. And that probably won't happen for some time.

nobody has been fishing the pier due to the weather and waves. I am planning on going the first day we don't have 10 footers and 20-30 MPH winds!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 18, 2014, 10:42 AM: lol I might try on Friday.
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 20, 2014, 09:57 AM: Any updates? Is the pier iced up going to need some cramp-ons?
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: Boomer on Nov 20, 2014, 10:19 AM: Never done this before but I do have a question or two. What part of the pier do you fish? Way out at the end or nearer the beginning of the pier or is it just a luck of the draw. Right place at right time? Also, I assume that this is bottom fishing but are the gobies really bad in the winter too? Finally, while waiting for whitefish are there trout or salmon to cast for too? (I know, lots of questions that are very general. Just trying to get a start, maybe meet up at the pier after deer season. Safety in numbers type of thing.)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 20, 2014, 10:25 AM: The "hot spot" seems to shift around every year. Just takes some moving around and it helps when there are more people out there sometimes, to dial in where the fish are.

There's winter-run steelhead coming in, and a few browns and lakers around usually. I usually don't cast because it's coooold! But float some spawn or shrimp for steelhead.

Gobies are not a factor. I find they don't really start biting until end of April or start of May. IN fact, once you start catching gobies, that's usually means coho fishing is done for the year.
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 20, 2014, 03:18 PM: Thanks MC!! Gonna be out in the am
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 20, 2014, 05:54 PM: Quote from: crappiehunter on Nov 20, 2014, 03:18 PM
Thanks MC!! Gonna be out in the am

Looking forward to hearing a report Mike..THX
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 21, 2014, 07:38 AM: I'll be out this afternoon, so I'll look forward to a report mike!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 21, 2014, 03:06 PM: No fish for me, enjoyed being out. Tried skan on the bottom....and off a bobber.

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FADBABE8A-2116-483B-9413-C23180ACCE14_zpspbknrew1.jpg&hash=7421e850a17bcefad57382626fb1ea6c) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/ADBABE8A-2116-483B-9413-C23180ACCE14_zpspbknrew1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 21, 2014, 04:38 PM: Here's a few more pics from today. Take the Franklin Street detour easy way, you'll come out by the Zoo.

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2F0F39FD85-6344-4145-9C11-04672F6990AB_zpszwwfmzc9.jpg&hash=41c26aab8f0368b4e2d034388f9f8734) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/0F39FD85-6344-4145-9C11-04672F6990AB_zpszwwfmzc9.jpg.html)

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FF1D0F4E9-49EE-4A84-8985-92311420BDA4_zpsrocjhdko.jpg&hash=9c9ec26df1eee46aa412f02a24e56d91) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/F1D0F4E9-49EE-4A84-8985-92311420BDA4_zpsrocjhdko.jpg.html)

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FF1DD2497-722D-415F-9EAC-3BD039CABA15_zpsbzcjswmw.jpg&hash=24858816fb4f9d5a159aec69e761e8a3) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/F1DD2497-722D-415F-9EAC-3BD039CABA15_zpsbzcjswmw.jpg.html)

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F2014-11%2FA0258DC0-5FE5-4453-AD3C-6403EA8E8918_zps5mau8bg0.jpg&hash=c4c90e64a93d74ed106d45c58d066400) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/A0258DC0-5FE5-4453-AD3C-6403EA8E8918_zps5mau8bg0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 21, 2014, 04:39 PM: Oh well mike at least you enjoyed the day..Appreciate the report!

You get out in PM MC...Any success?
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 22, 2014, 05:41 AM: went out to look at the pier, it's solid ice. can't safely fish it

fished in the harbor for a bit with nothing to show for it
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 22, 2014, 07:02 AM: Thanks Ben. I figured it was iced over. Keep the info coming. Just don't seem like they are in yet. I fished 3 different spots along the harbor area, too nice off a day!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 23, 2014, 04:26 PM: Ben, do you think this rain will bring in some fish?
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 24, 2014, 07:22 AM: I would certainly think so, warm rain is always good when the water is in the 30s!

I caught some whitefish this weekend up in Michigan, so they are definitely around. Saw some steelhead taken by pier and surf fishermen as well
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 24, 2014, 08:05 AM: Thanks for the input, I've got a lot to learn about what turns them on or off!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Nov 25, 2014, 09:17 AM: Quote from: MC_angler on Nov 24, 2014, 07:22 AM
I would certainly think so, warm rain is always good when the water is in the 30s!

I caught some whitefish this weekend up in Michigan, so they are definitely around. Saw some steelhead taken by pier and surf fishermen as well

MC..St. Joe/Benton Harbor area?
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 25, 2014, 04:37 PM: Got out for a couple hours this morning in MC, like fishing in chocolate milk after the rain. Skein on the bottom and crawler under a bobber. Skunked!

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FE44D829A-2FFB-4E3E-99ED-461C47330477_zpshpgkb2iu.jpg&hash=da64646d6b9290abe867c18a2a4ead7c) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/E44D829A-2FFB-4E3E-99ED-461C47330477_zpshpgkb2iu.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Nov 26, 2014, 08:57 AM: I am thinking that the best action from now until late January is going to be on the pier. Until the lake temperature is colder than Trail Creek, anyways.

I overlook the inner harbor every day at work and I see very few fish caught between November and January, other than the odd steelhead
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 26, 2014, 10:46 AM: Thanks Ben I know I gotta get my wimpy butt out there and not sit in the warmth of the van!!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Nov 29, 2014, 12:50 PM: Got the idea of using my kayak rod holder 3way on a bucket, still got skunked though. Windy today...

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2F2AF71A13-D599-4A36-BDB5-3C27CE04DAD4_zps3kedskgn.jpg&hash=677695c80c25a90b37de63f20d52a79a) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/2AF71A13-D599-4A36-BDB5-3C27CE04DAD4_zps3kedskgn.jpg.html)

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2F95AE33C0-6142-46F6-B402-9123822C3DD4_zps4mhvaupz.jpg&hash=675572b86c65b23801b867caaee0b181) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/95AE33C0-6142-46F6-B402-9123822C3DD4_zps4mhvaupz.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: High Flags on Nov 29, 2014, 07:05 PM: Good idea Mike....Dakota and I fished the pier today from before sun up till about 9....very windy like you said ,the water was still stained some... not a bite.

fished skain , bemoths , night crawlers, shrimp...??? SKUNKED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Dec 01, 2014, 10:22 AM: Just an update...Went out friday, water pretty dirty off pier from run-off and churn-up NW winds previous in week so I did not get anything but did talk to a guy that was out with his buddy and whities are somewhere around as 2 wks prior he got 7 whities and 2 greasers off the pier. So hopefully when we get more consistent winds and it clears up a bit the whities will show-up again!! At least there a some winter runs showin up as I salvaged the day going 2 for 3 on Trail...Bobber down dudes!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Dec 01, 2014, 02:56 PM: Awesome Vex thanks for the report
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: Boomer on Dec 10, 2014, 07:33 AM: I see on the Michigan DNR reports that fishing at night for whitefish is sometimes better. Anyone ever try this in Indiana waters? (Sure would have to dress very warm to be on the pier at night this time of year!)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: Jig_Head on Dec 16, 2014, 06:07 AM: For as often as I fish the pier I've never tried for whitefish. I say I'm gonna do it every year then never do it lol. If anyone wants to meet up let me no. I need something to do as the ice is not cooperating
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Dec 16, 2014, 08:01 AM: now might be a good time to try because the creek/harbor temp is higher than the lake temp, which is drawing in fish
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: vexologist on Dec 16, 2014, 06:10 PM: Thanks for heads up MC!
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: Boomer on Dec 17, 2014, 07:50 AM: Curiosity: IF you were to go out to the end of the pier at MC and casted a line to the bottom what would be the chance to get a lake trout? (In other words, do people catch lake trout from the pier - probably more so in winter?

I have never caught a lake trout or a whitefish and would at least like to take a chance at it in 2015. (Going south for the holidays but will be back soon.)
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: MC_angler on Dec 17, 2014, 08:09 AM: Lake trout are definitely around. They aren't caught in big numbers, but people catch them every year. Even in the lower reaches of Trail Creek from November-March

People routinely catch them at the mouth of the Ditch at Portage Lakefront Park
Title: Re: Whitefish on the Piers?
Post by: crappiehunter on Dec 19, 2014, 07:02 PM: Gave it a try again today with no luck. Did talk to one guy who caught a nice steelie across from the Dnr.

(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy283%2Fmsutton58%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F2014-12%2F1AC61573-F0AC-4CD1-8EEA-0489D14C9321_zpssekf671w.jpg&hash=194fd11cce320ccc1e960670e113237d) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/msutton58/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/1AC61573-F0AC-4CD1-8EEA-0489D14C9321_zpssekf671w.jpg.html)