Saginaw Bay had a lot of walleye activity on the west side. Boat anglers were trolling in 15 feet off Pinconning or 13 to 18 feet off Linwood. Crawler harnesses and body baits in purple, blue or wonderbread worked best. A handful of walleye were caught northwest of Spoils Island. Catch rates off Finn Road were slow but walleye were taken north of Quanicassee, even some limit catches. The hot spot was 10 to 14 feet of water in the Slot. Hot colors were purple, green and chartreuse. Tittabawassee River the water has been fast and muddy so fishing was just about impossible. Saginaw River a few walleye were still being caught in the lower river at Smith Park. Shore anglers are casting jigs. Quanicassee River boat anglers fishing upstream did catch a few walleye. Au Gres had lots of boat activity. Anglers are taking walleye in 25 to 35 feet. Some limit catches were reported.
- Au Gres River was high and muddy. Few were fishing but those that were did manage to catch a couple catfish.
Outer Saginaw Bay: Grindstone City had excellent smallmouth bass fishing in the harbor. Most anglers were casting tube jigs Oscoda pier anglers are catching a good mix of Atlantic and Chinook salmon, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout. Walleye are coming in from the lake in good numbers. Crawlers and body baits were the ticket.
- Au Sable River water levels are up and fast but the fish are coming in good numbers. Steelhead are being caught between the dam and the piers. Those fishing up on the beds are doing well with spawn, fly’s and wax worms.
Tawas perch fishing is pretty much done for pier anglers however they are now catching Atlantic salmon when using large minnows outside the pier. A good number of walleye and a few pike were also taken. Boat anglers trolling between the mouth of the Tawas River and Alabaster are taking a fair number of fish. Chinook, brown trout, lake trout and walleye were taken in 36 to 50 feet out near Buoy #2. Shore anglers and those wading the mouth of the river caught walleye and bass. Weekly Fishing Tip: Join the Grand American Fish Rodeo in Lansing
Looking for something fun to do in mid-Michigan this June? Visit Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing June 12, 13 and 14 for the inaugural Grand American Fish Rodeo! This event is centered on Michigan’s rich heritage of water and aquatic life and features a variety of activities. The Department of Natural Resources is involved in the Grand American Fish Rodeo as part of the Educational Tent which will offer numerous activities for those in attendance. A few things you can see and do if you visit the tent: • Hands-on learning and craft activities for all ages • Casting a fishing rod • Tying knots and learning how flies are tied • Seeing a live sea lamprey and lake sturgeon • Seeing how a boat washing unit works • Viewing a fish stocking truck and air boat up close • Taking your picture with “Primo” from Preuss Pets Check out the Fish Rodeo Educational Tent flyer (PDF) to discover all the fun that will be offered! The educational tent will be open Friday, June 13 from 12 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.grandamericanfishrodeo.com.