Saginaw Bay ice fishing season is over as very strong winds blew the ice out of the bay or broke it up. Perch fishing in the cuts and canals may be available in a week or so, but spawning is still a few weeks away. Rivers in the area were either still in flood mode or starting to recede. Most were full of floating debris and were not fish-able.
Saginaw River had wide spread flooding in the upper river including flooded boat launches. Providing we do not end up with more significant rainfall, it could take another week or more for the watershed to drain out and become fish-able. Walleye season on the inland waters is open through March 15, so anglers will still have a shot at walleye fishing for 10 days or so before the season closes.
Tittabawassee River had wide spread flooding in the lower river and flooded boat launches. Like the Saginaw River, it could take another week or more for water levels to come down and the river is fish-able.
Fishing Tip: Buy your 2018 fishing license!
The 2018 Michigan fishing license went on sale today!! If you buy an annual license it is valid until March 31, 2019.
Are you aware of the two simple ways you can buy a Michigan fishing license?
- Visit your local license retailer and make a purchase in person!
- Use the E-License system to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just visit mdnr-elicense.com to get started!
For additional information on fishing licenses in Michigan – including license requirements – visit Michigan.gov/fishing.