As we move through the transition between open-water fishing and ice fishing, the weekly reports will keep getting smaller. Sounds like freeze-up may be imminent toward the end of this week. With highs in the 20's from Wednesday on, open-water fishing may come to an end. Shallow lakes have started to freeze over however there is no safe ice to report. This would be a good time to get the ice fishing gear ready to go.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Shore anglers casting bombers at night were still taking a few walleye off Luna Pier and Sterling State Park. The Metro Park dock is still in. Those fishing in the marina were catching bluegills. Try a small teardrop with a wax worm.

Huron River - Those fishing all the way up to the dam at Flat Rock were still taking some nice steelhead when using spawn or wax worms.

Detroit River - Boat anglers jigging large minnows near Horse Island caught some nice walleye. Light numbers of perch were caught and some were keepers.

Lexington - Anglers were still fishing from shore and the piers however catch rates were slow. Very few perch were caught and many were small. A steelhead or two were still being caught but the action was hit-or-miss.

Kawkawlin River - Anglers were catching good numbers of perch.

Saginaw River - Walleye fishing has been good on the right day.

Tittabawassee River - Is usually a good place for early winter walleye.

Quanicassee River - Had fair to good perch fishing.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers were still heading out for perch. Most were using minnows.

St. Joe River - Steelhead and brown trout have been caught up near the Berrien Springs Dam. Those trolling in the river have caught steelhead, walleye and bass.

Grand Haven - Pier anglers were still out for whitefish and steelhead when using spawn and wax worms.

Muskegon - Pier anglers were still taking some steelhead when using spawn. Whitefish were caught in the channel near the Coast Guard Station.

Muskegon Lake - Walleye were caught at night when trolling along the edge of the weeds in waters up to 12 feet deep. Fish were taken near Second Street, the Bear Lake Channel and along the south end of the lake. Most were using #12 Husky Jerks or #10 deep diving Husky Jerks. Small pike were caught during the day. Perch were caught in the deep hole in front of the Bear Lake Channel and along the west side of the lake.

Muskegon River - Steelhead have been caught between Bridgeton and Maple Island when using the drop back method. Spawn worked best.

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Thunder Bay River - A few perch are being caught in the river and around the Marina. The whitefish run is over but an occasional fish is still being caught. Not much to report on steelhead, but anglers should still find some fish below the dam.

Au Sable River - There are still some fresh run fish available, but the boat ramps are snowed in and the river is hard to wade this time of year. Steelhead could be found between the mouth and Foote Dam. The occasional whitefish was caught on wax worms near the mouth.

Houghton Lake - Is covered with skim ice. There is no safe ice to report. Shore fishing has ended as the canals have frozen over. Anglers are now waiting to see what impact the storm will have on ice conditions.

Tawas - Had few reports as catch rates for walleye and whitefish have slowed.

Rifle River - Steelhead anglers were still taking a few fish when using spawn or wax worms.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Traverse City - No anglers have been out open-water fishing. Most are now preparing for the onset of the ice fishing season.

Boardman River - Steelhead were still being caught by those using spawn or wax worms.

Betsie River - Is still producing the occasional steelhead.

Manistee River - Steelhead fishing continues to be the only fishing activity.

Ludington - Pier and shore anglers are still catching steelhead however the action has slowed.

Pere Marquette River - Those braving the cold have caught the occasional steelhead. Try spawn or wax worms.

UPPER PENINSULA

Open water muskie fishing is wrapping up. Many of the shallow lakes in the area are ice covered however there was no safe ice to report. The deeper lakes still had open water.