Saginaw Bay Perch fishing was spotty at best, with the better catches coming from the Saganing and Pinconning bars with minnows in 15 to 18 feet. Fish were caught in front of the Linwood Marina, 2 miles east of Spoils Island and in the old shipping channel in 16 feet. Perch action at the mouth of the Saginaw River was slow. A few fish were caught off Quanicassee and Geiger Road. Anglers had to put in a half day of fishing to get enough for a meal.
- Au Gres Area walleye were caught out near the Charity Islands in 30 to 50 feet with crawlers, spoons or body baits. Perch fishing was spotty out near Pt. Au Gres in 20 to 30 feet and near the Saganing and Pinconning bars. Out from the Pine River, a few bigger fish were taken in 15 to 18 feet. Largemouth bass were hitting spinners and body baits in the shallows.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda Lake trout, steelhead, pink salmon and walleye were caught when trolling spoons and spin-glo’s out to the Oscoda Ridge. Fish were 40 to 90 feet down in 90 to 160 feet. Lake trout were found near the bottom. A couple steelhead and walleye were caught in shallower water. Pier anglers caught channel cats, smallmouth bass, rock bass and a few yellow perch on crawlers. Those casting spoons for salmon had no luck.
- Au Sable River had cooled to the mid-60s below Mio and was still in the mid-70s below Foote Dam. Those fishing the lower river caught a few rock bass, smallmouth bass and nice channel cats when using crawlers. The occasional walleye was caught when casting jigs or still fishing with crawlers. A few pike were caught by those trolling or casting crankbaits and jigs.
Tawas Area good numbers of walleye were caught inside the bay out near buoys #4 and #6 with crawlers and lindy rigs or Erie dearies and body baits in 15 to 20 feet. Walleye, steelhead and lake trout were caught out past buoy #2 with spoons in 50 to 70 feet.
- Tawas River had slow fishing, with only a few small perch and a couple freshwater drum taken on crawlers at Gateway Park.
Fishing Tip: Avoid these mistakes to experience great fishing
Did you know simple mistakes can make or break your fishing adventures? Check out these basic things to avoid if you want to have better success on the water:
- Make sure your reel is filled with line – don’t wait until it gets to half-empty and risk losing a great catch due to an inadequate amount of line.
- Check your knots – monitor their strength and durability after each fish. If the strength gets compromised, cut the line down a few feet and start again.
- Set the hook – don’t forget to do this each time you even think you’ve got a bite. Why waste a great catch just because you forgot to set the hook?
Want more tips for fishing in Michigan? Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.