Saginaw Bay Fishing Success was variable on the east side of the bay, with some anglers catching their limits and others struggling to find fish. Anglers were fishing out from Quanicassee around Callahan Reef and in the south end of the slot in 12 to 14 feet of water. Anglers also started to work deeper water east of the shipping channel. Those fishing around Sebewaing were mostly fishing the slot straight out and south toward Thomas Road and Sunset Marina in 15 to 18 feet of water. Some boats also fished shallower in 8 to 10 feet, and others went out over the bar in 22 to 24 feet of water. Walleye were caught mostly on crawler harnesses, but flicker shads and minnows also caught fish.
Lower Saginaw Bay Walleye were reported to be caught in multiple locations. Anglers were trolling out in front of Linwood in 18 to 20 feet of water and reported using plastic and worms. Anglers also fished for walleye near the Pinconning Bar, out in front of Gambles in 8 to 12 feet of water, near the old Dumping Grounds in 15 to 17 feet of water and Callahan Reef in 12 to 15 feet of water.
Au Gres Area Anglers fishing for walleye reported better numbers out in the shipping channel compared to shallower water. Crawler harnesses seemed to work best. Out from the Pine River, some anglers reported catching walleye, northern pike, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, a few smallmouth bass and an occasional perch. Anglers at Eagle Bay Marina were bowfishing for carp and gar. Shore anglers were able to bring in some crappie from here as well.
Saginaw River, A few walleye were caught when trolling nightcrawler harnesses in the vicinity of Veterans Park on M-13. Elsewhere, good numbers of largemouth bass were caught and released around Zilwaukee and in the lower river through Bay City and Essexville by boat anglers casting various artificial baits.
Tittabawassee River, Most of the fishing was happening around Center Road Boat Launch. A few walleye were caught by boat anglers casting plugs near State Street Bridge, with natural colors seeming to work a little bit better. Anglers were also catching a large number of drum on nightcrawlers that were fished on the bottom.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda/Au Sable River Anglers still had some success walleye fishing the lower river and off the pier. Casting crank baits and drifting crawlers produced the best results. A few Atlantic salmon were caught off the pier using minnows or casting spoons, with the best colors being orange/gold and blue/silver. Lake trout and a few coho salmon were caught when trolling spoons in 50 to 70 feet of water. Steelhead fishing below Foote Dam began to die down. Fish that were still around were mostly caught while bottom-bouncing flies.
Tawas Area Walleye anglers reported having a hard time getting the fish to bite. A few caught fish off the point in about 50 feet of water, but most boats came back with no fish. Largemouth bass were being caught by shore anglers at Gateway Park in the Tawas River. Singing Bridge was reported to be pretty slow for fishing activity during the day, but some anglers were fishing the surf during the late evening.
Fishing tip: Want to find fish? Use sonar!
Avid anglers are constantly looking for tips and tricks to have more successful fishing trips. Many turn to sonar technology to achieve this goal.
Although a bit of an investment (units start at $100 and go up), sonar products offer a variety of benefits on the water. Most units can provide anglers with readings on temperature, vegetation and structure in the water, type of bottom below you, fish in the area, depth, current speed of the vessel, GPS navigation and waypoints for future trips. Some even allow you the opportunity to purchase nautical charts.
Need help, besides using sonar, in planning your next fishing trip? Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.