Saginaw Bay: Has excellent walleye fishing from Au Gres to Sand Point. Limit catches are common. Crawler harnesses are working everywhere but some are starting to use Hot-n-Tots or spoons. Excellent fishing was noted off the Pinconning Bar, Gambil’s Marina, Linwood, the Spark Plug, the Callahan Reef, the Coryeon Reef, the Slot between Quanicassee and North Island, the Bar, Wildfowl Bay and off the mouth of the Kawkawlin and the Saginaw Rivers. While lots of fish are being caught, plan to catch about one sub-legal fish for every keeper.
Saginaw River: Walleye have been caught in the lower river by those trolling Hot-n-Tots between the mouth and the Coast Guard Station. This is a good option for those that with smaller boats that might not be able to get out on the open water.
Au Gres: Is most likely the busiest port on Saginaw Bay right now. A lot of boats are catching a lot of walleye. Most of the action has been between Pointe Au Gres and Point Lookout however some are heading north toward Alabaster or south. They are taking limit catches in 30 to 40 feet of water.
Au Gres River: Had slow catch rates with only a few catfish taken.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Port Austin: Walleye fishing is just getting started with a few fish taken off the reefs. As the water continues to warm, walleye fishing off the tip of the Thumb will improve. Pier anglers are taking a few walleye near dusk and after dark.
Oscoda: Lake trout and steelhead are coming in, but few and far between. Lake trout should be in 60 to 100 feet of water and steelhead should be in 50 to 70 feet. Look for the scum lines.
Au Sable River: Walleye seem to be the biggest draw. Early morning and late evening were best when using crawlers, leeches and body baits. Steelhead are still making their way up into the river. Anglers reported fish on the beds near the Boy Scout Camp and High Banks or the deeper holes by the Whirlpool.
Tawas: Those trolling around Buoy #2 and beyond in 30 to 70 feet of water are taking good numbers of walleye. Smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye were caught inside the bay. Pier anglers caught a few bass and pike.
Tawas River: Shore anglers are getting catfish and freshwater drum.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Eating safe fish in Michigan
There are many benefits to eating fish, but anglers should be aware that some fish have mercury, dioxin, PCBs or other chemicals in them that can be bad for your health if you eat too many.
The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Eat Safe Fish Guide helps you learn about eating safe, local and healthful fish from throughout the state. Their “3Cs” message is simple and easy to remember when it comes to eating safe fish:
1. Choose – A general rule of thumb is to remember S.A.F.E.Smaller fish are usually a good choice, Avoid large predator fish and bottom-feeders, Fat should be removed, Eat fish that have been broiled or grilled on a rack.
2. Clean – Learn about cleaning techniques (including trimming as much fat from the fish as possible) to help remove chemicals from the fish.
3. Cook – Discover cooking techniques that can be used to remove even more chemicals from the fish.
Be informed and check out the Eat Safe Fish Guide to help protect yourself and your family from chemicals that could someday make you sick.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish and then click on the “Going Fishing?” button.