For Lake Michigan and tributaries in Northwestern Indiana, as well as the St. Joseph River in Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties.

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LAKE MICHIGAN & NW INDIANA TRIBUTARIES

WATER CONDITIONS:  Surface water temp east of MC was 50 F as of 5/16/08, while top to bottom temperatures in 100 foot of water was 44 F. Area tributaries are running high & muddy due to rain showers northwest Indiana received over the weekend. Water temp in Trail Creek at Friendship Garden was in the lower 50's last week.

TRIBUTARY CLOSINGS:  The East Branch of the Little Calumet River in Porter Co. from US 12 upstream to US 20 & Trail Creek in LaPorte Co. from the Franklin St Bridge in Michigan City upstream to US 35.

CHINOOK:  A few more kings were picked up along the Inland Steel Wall out of the East Chicago Marina. Michigan City boat anglers reported good action in water depths ranging from 30-120 FOW with most of the action occurring between 70-95 FOW north of the lighthouse over the weekend. 

COHO:  Action along the Inland Steel Wall out of East Chicago Marina in water depths ranging from 28-43 FOW. Michigan City boat anglers reported action in water depths as deep as 175 FOW straight out from the mouth of Trail Creek.

STEELHEAD:  The majority of steelhead in the creeks have moved back to the lake after attempting to spawn; however, small numbers are still in the creeks. Most productive baits have been spawn bags & small pieces of shrimp. Spinners with silver, brass or black blades can be effective this time of year. Keep your offerings as close to the bottom as possible for best chance at catching steelhead. Boat anglers are reporting spotty catches.

SMALLMOUTH BASS:  Majority of the action is taking place out of the EC Marina. Anglers have stated that action is occurring along the Inland Steel Wall, the rip rap outside the EC Marina & over at Gary's Light. Other good areas to try include the rip rap on the north side of Hammond Marina & the submerged breakwater as well. Look for SMB to congregate on man-made structure or rocky rip rap. Tube jigs & deep diving crankbaits have been the most effective lures. Tube jigs that resemble gobies & crankbaits have been the go to lures. At times, live bait offerings such as minnows have been extremely effective for bronzebacks.

YELLOW PERCH:  Yellow perch spawning is in full swing with large females >12" being taken near the breakwaters around East Chicago and within Calumet harbor. Michigan City area has been slow but will continue to pickup as water temperatures increase.

ST. JOSEPH RIVER

NOTE:  The St. Joe River report will begin being updated in September when the first good numbers of trout and salmon begin running Indiana's portion of the river.