Saginaw Bay walleye were caught off Gambil’s when trolling a crank bait or crawler harness in eight to 10 feet and off Linwood in 18 to 23 feet. A few fish were also found near the Spark Plug. Walleye fishing off Quanicassee was hit-or-miss. A few limit catches were reported but most boats only had 1-3 fish per angler. Fish were found in eight feet or less as well as in 14 to 17 feet along the south end of the Slot with a crawler harness or body bait. Don’t be afraid to move around and cover lots of water. Catfish and pike were also found by those trolling for walleye. Activity from Sebewaing to Caseville was very slow for walleye. The few boats that were out did not do well. Bass were caught by boat and shore anglers using artificial baits. Those bowfishing have done well along the shoreline when targeting carp.
Saginaw River those trolling a crawler harness down near the mouth caught a couple walleye. In Essexville, shore anglers caught catfish and freshwater drum on crawlers.
Tittabawassee River fishing for white bass was good in the lower river near the Center Road launch with catches of 10-30 fish per boat when casting or trolling various plugs. Chartreuse and fire-tiger were good colors. The occasional walleye was caught near Center Road and near Busch’s Tool Supply when trolling a fire-tiger plug. Near the Dow Dam, fishing was slow with only a few white bass or small pike taken.
Au Gres Area walleye were caught out near the Steeples, past Big Charity Island, off Point Lookout and Point Au Gres in 20 to 35 feet or more. Fish were also taken in Eagle Bay Marina in eight to 12 feet. Most were using a crawler harness and color did not seem to matter.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda lake trout were caught in 50 feet or less when trolling spoons, spin-glo’s and body baits between Three Mile Beach and Au Sable Point. Pier anglers still-fishing or drifting minnows caught young Atlantic salmon that were feeding on gobies. For walleye, early morning was best when casting jigs and body baits or when floating crawlers. Pier anglers using crawlers at night caught smallmouth bass, carp and freshwater drum.
Au Sable River still had a fair number of steelhead caught by those drifting beads and flies. The fish that have finished spawning can be found in the holes as their appetite picks up and they drop back to the big lake. The odd Atlantic salmon and brown trout were caught near the mouth when casting jigs. A few walleye were taken throughout the river when drifting crawlers and leeches. Smallmouth bass were caught and released when drifting crawlers or casting crank baits.
Tawas Area trollers caught lake trout, brown trout and walleye with spoons and body baits near Tawas Point in 30 to 60 feet. Walleye were caught down near Alabaster and south when trolling body baits or crawler harness and when jigging minnows or twister tails in 20 to 25 feet. Pier anglers casting body baits or still-fishing with minnows caught Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass.
Fishing Tip: Fishing for the holiday weekend
Hoping to get outdoors to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend? Why not go fishing? Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced angler – there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water this weekend! Here’s what you can do:
1. Decide where you want to fish.
Want to fish the Great Lakes? Check out DNR’s Roadmaps to Fishing the Great Lakes to see what might be porting at ports located on lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior.
Want to fish inland lakes? DNR management units have lists of great places to visit and what you might catch there. Or heading out as a family? Check out DNR Family Friendly Fishing Waters web application to find the perfect spot.
2. Decide what you want to fish for.
Have a particular species you want to target? Check out DNR species pages found at Michigan.gov/Fishing. Knowing specific techniques to use when targeting certain species can be very helpful.
3. Know the rules and regulations.
Make sure you download the electronic version of the 2019 Michigan Fishing Guide or pick up a hard copy wherever fishing licenses are sold. Having a copy means you’ll have information regarding seasons, size limits, possession limits and other items.
4. Buy your license.
Save time and buy it online! Anyone age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license when heading out. Don’t forget to pick yours up!