Saginaw Bay Area most of the ice blew out last week, leaving only shore ice. The only fishable spots left were near Standish and Pinconning; the Pine River/Palmer Road area and off Pinconning Park and Newman Road. EXTREME CAUTION must be used and travel by ATV is not advised! Anglers did get some perch from those areas however warm temperatures continue to eat away at the ice. There may still be some fishing opportunities for perch off Vanderbilt Park near Quanicassee but strictly in shallow water only.
- Saginaw River the ice was no longer safe but there was still too much in the marinas to launch a boat.
- Tittabawassee River it was possible to launch boats from the ramp at Gordonville Road south of Midland. There is open water upstream to the Dow Dam and downstream as far as Freeland. Boat and shore anglers have been catching walleye on jigs and twister tails or jigs with minnows. A couple steelhead were also caught.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Tawas Area most of the ice blew out leaving only shore ice. The only fishable spots left were the north end of Tawas Bay in the “armpit” and west of Jerry’s Marina but again, extreme caution needs to be used.
Fishing Tip: Fishing for walleye, northern pike and panfish this time of year
Although many bodies of water aren’t producing the type of ice many winter anglers would like to see there are still numerous tactics they can implement to experience great walleye, northern pike and panfish fishing when they do get out there.
- When fishing for walleye, one thing to think about is to look for the right areas within a lake where you can find decent sized fish. Suggested locations include turns, big changes in depth, humps or other places walleyes like to sit tight. Also remember the critical periods of time when walleye are best fished: early and late in the day.
- When fishing for northern pike, something to remember is that most of these fish are hiding in weedy areas where they can take cover, yet still find ample food sources. Often times these spots will consist of bays with access to deep water.
- And lastly, when fishing for various panfish, it’s important to note that these species typically live just about anywhere so you should work the entire water column when you head out. For those in shallow water, they’ll typically feed for short periods of time in the very early morning and late in the day.