April Fishing

• Lakes throughout the state provide anglers with healthy populations of game fish such as trout, walleye and bluegill during April. Many game fish prespawn during spring and thrive in the state's impoundments, rivers and lakes. Many Michigan anglers consider April as the best time to catch brown trout. Additionally, steelhead and salmon migrate upstream when it's fall and and return in the lakes during spring. The best fishing for trophy steelhead in Lake Michigan starts in April.
  
  

Species

• Michigan common fish species include lake, brown, brook and rainbow trout. Pink, coho, chinook and Atlantic salmon are also popular catches. Other species are bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, yellow perch, muskellunge, northern pike, and largemouth, rock, smallmouth and white bass.
  
  

Hot Spots

• Hot spots for Michigan fishing in April include the Detroit River for walleye, Pentwater for brown trout and Island Lake for bluegill. An abundance of prespawn walleyes enter the Detroit River in March and April, making it the best time to fish for quality walleye, according to Mike Gnatkowski of the Michigan Sportsman's 2010 Michigan Fishing Calendar. April is a productive time to fish for brown trout in Pentwater, especially at depths of 5 to 20 at the south harbor. Ogemaw County's Island Lake is also a hot spot during April for bluegill. This lake is stocked with bluegill and April is when the waters start to warm, providing an ideal location for the fish.
  
  

Tackle and Lures

• Effective lures for walleye are 3/8- to 3/4-ounce jigs, and trolling is productive, especially when the water is a bit murky or off-color. For trout, use body baits that imitate the baitfish browns feed on. Use flies, tiny plastic lures and poppers when fishing for bluegill during April.
  
  

Fishing Regulations

• Anglers in Michigan who are age 17 and older are required to have a fishing license. It is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. A valid Michigan driver's license or a state ID card is required to obtain a resident fishing license. Nonresident anglers can purchase a license at a higher price.