Saginaw Bay boat anglers did well for walleye when trolling crank baits 1 mile east of Spoils Island in 17 feet and near the old dumping grounds. A few yellow perch were found in 8 feet off Whites Beach. A couple pike were caught off Pinconning. There was not a lot of fishing near Quanicassee or Vanderbilt Park. Not much to report on the east side, as the bite was slow. Boat anglers launching at the end of Jones Road were heading to the Hot Ponds and casting for pike or trolling and jigging around the island. Those fishing the marinas might get some bluegills. The perch bite was slow, but a few good-size fish were caught. Fishing inside the islands from Sebewaing to Mud Creek was very slow. The little bit of ice was holding; however, there are areas of open water and thin spots, so caution needs to be used.
- Saginaw River one dock was put in at the mouth for boat anglers. Walleye anglers did well in the lower river when jigging. A few limit catches were taken.
- Tittabawassee River good numbers of walleye were caught, including a few limit catches. Boat anglers jigging did well near the Caldwell Launch, Mapleton and near Center Road. Plastics seem to work well, including a green jig head and purple twister tail. Anglers said the bite was light and to use a scaled-down presentation. Shore anglers did well downstream of the railroad bridge on Dow’s property.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Tawas Area dad reports of walleye, lake trout and burbot caught in 20 to 25 feet when jigging spoons tipped with minnows out near the artificial reef and in front of Jerry’s Marina in 10 feet during the evening.
Fishing Tip: Fishing for walleye and whitefish on Saginaw Bay
Many anglers flock to Saginaw Bay in the winter to target walleye and experience an added perk – the possibility of catching lake whitefish!
- To target walleye, many anglers jig with spoons of various colors. You may want to tip your spoon with a minnow to further entice them.
- To target lake whitefish, many anglers use spawn or a wax worm on a spoon to encourage bites.
Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing for even more information on fishing for walleye and lake whitefish.