fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Went camping a few weeks ago and had a blast catching coho salmon from the Lake Michigan beach surf as they fish begin to congregate around river mouths before entering the streams to spawn. Standing waist deep in waders, and tossing large black spinners and the occasional Little Cleo, my efforts managed to bring in enough coho to dine on fresh fillets over the grill for breakfast every morning during a weeks stay. Even had some fillets left over to bring home fresh as well.

The fish were still bright and silver, with plenty of spunk to be had on the end of the line! They run and jump like a steelhead, which is quite a thrill on light tackle!

Well after the morning sunrise. The beach is deserted and the fish get a well deserved "rest" before a handful of anglers line up once again on the following day. The evening bite was always slow, so mornings were the preferred window of opportunity!


A plump 4 pounder having fallen prey to a black Artic spinner. The lure shaft is bent due to the struggle during the catch, and not a deliberate bend in case you happened to notice...


A little Lawry's seasoning and we're good to go on the grill for breakfast. Fresh caught just an hour prior!


A typical pair of coho weighing in at about 5 to 6 pounds each.


Good morning Mrs. salmon...glad to make your aquaintence!


It may not look like it, but thereare approximately 10,000 coho salmon stacked up behind the fish weir, awaiting the local Department of Fish and Game to allow for their upstream passage.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Nice catching Yaker, and Awesome pictures. Thanks for sharing.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Fredfish! We had a very good run this season on the coho.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Good catching! Nice-looking fish and your other pics. Thanks for sharing.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Great fishing and wonderful meals. Super pictures too.
Thanks for sharing.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you DVTracker! The entire week of camping was devoted to fishing for salmon...oh...and also spending time with my wife too! We had terrific weather and have plans to book the same time again next September when the salmon runs are at peak.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Jer! Glad you enjoyed the story!

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 👍

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you NJ219! I've been away from home most of the last few months, so I am just getting back into the groove of things now that Fall has arrived.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Beautiful fish!

Ridleyblake2017 Loc: Honesdale Pennsylvania

Great photos and good looking fish. Thanks for sharing.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you kandydisbar! Glad you enjoyed the summary of the salmon fishing! I normally go out in the kayak or a boat, but this year decided to change things up and be "on foot"!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Thank you Ridleyblake! They were mighty tasty as eaten fresh on the grill! I almost decided to get back into smoking them by purchasing a small "Little Chief" unit from Luhr Jensen but decided to wait until perhaps next Spring. I wore out my old smoker, and it's been several years since I have brined up a batch!

Clappy Loc: Michigan

Nice Job! Were you up near Ludington?

lawrence1l Loc: Michigan

Thanks, Yaker! I have had an unfulfilled desire to catch salmon, or other fighters, in the surf. Since I retired, it seems like wherever I am, the fish are somewhere else. I remember going with a group of guys from church, to the Platte, having a great time between the hatchery and the bridge. Thanks for the report.

Larry