The Grand River is an outstanding place to catch walleyes and smallmouths. Photo by Jim Bedford.

Walleyes and smallmouth bass are considered coolwater species by fisheries biologists. Water temperatures in the low- to mid-70-degree range are ideal for these fish. The summer water temperatures in Michigan’s large rivers are frequently in this range, and the walleyes and smallmouths are more active in these waters in August than they are in our lakes.

Walleyes and smallies share many other habitat preferences besides water temperature. Rivers with moderate flows and rocky bottoms provide ideal habitat for both species. Firm sand will also hold these fish as long as there is cover in the form of boulders, logs or overhanging vegetation. Reaches of river where gravel riffles alternate with deep runs or holes are the ones to concentrate on when fishing for walleyes and smallies. The presence of large rocks in both the holes and riffles is always a big plus.

The following are a bunch of prime Michigan rivers and their reaches where you can catch good numbers of walleyes and smallmouth bass. But just remember that by keeping these habitat preferences in mind, you can also find your own river honeyholes in addition to these hotspots.

MENOMINEE RIVER
The Menominee River forms the border between Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It offers the best river fishing for smallies and walleyes on the other side of the Mackinac Bridge.

There are a number of dams on the Menominee, and the stretches below them are hotspots for game fish. Dams block the upstream movement of fish and concentrate them. When the dam is an active power dam, the turbines will often stun or cripple baitfish, thus making for easy meals for the walleyes and smallmouths.

The Hattie Street Dam is the first one up from Green Bay, and the reach between the dam and the bay is great for both walleyes and smallies. A boat is handy here, but you can also catch fish from shore near the dam and from Stephenson Island on the Wisconsin side of the river. Big fish are possible here, as both walleyes and smallies move out of Green Bay to feed in the river, where your Michigan license is legal.

Moving upstream, the areas below the Chalk Hills Dam and Grand Rapids Dam contain excellent numbers of both walleyes and smallmouth bass. The many other dams also offer good fishing in the first mile or so below them. There are also stretches of rapids in the river, and fishing can be very productive in the areas near the base of the rapids as the water slows down.

Access is good at all the dams and rapids on the Menominee. You can get additional information on fishing the river by contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at (906) 786-2351.

AU SABLE RIVER
Mention the Au Sable River, and anglers automatically think trout and fly-fishing. Well, that’s appropriate for the upper Au Sable and its tributaries, but you will find very good fishing for walleyes and smallmouth bass in its lower end.

The stretch to concentrate on is between Foote Dam and the mouth of the river in Oscoda. You can wade near the dam and at the Whirlpool access site, but a small boat lets you cover the whole river more effectively. There are launch ramps at the river mouth, at the Whirlpool and at Foote Dam.

DNR biologist Tim Cwalinski suggested concentrating your efforts in the lower few miles of the river. He recommended giving special attention to the reach near the mouth of Van Etten Creek. The pier at the mouth of the river can also be hot for these predators in August. You can contact DNR biologists at (989) 732-3541 for more information.