Saginaw Bay: Bay City Area walleye were caught on crawler harnesses in six to eight feet at Pinconning, in 18 feet just west of the Spark Plug and near the Dumping Grounds. On the east side, anglers had difficulty trolling because of the wind. Those bowfishing in the Quanicassee River picked up a few carp. Catch rates were inconsistent at Sebewaing. Caseville had little activity.
Saginaw River shore anglers fishing off Smith Park in Essexville caught freshwater drum and catfish on crawlers.
Tittabawassee River a few walleye were caught on jigs and twisters tipped with minnows and crawlers near the State Street Bridge. White bass were also caught.
Flint River was producing good numbers of crappie.
Shiawassee River the full blown white bass spawn is on with many limit catches of very large white bass being taken. Pike were also caught. Carp are also in spawning mode in all the flooded grassy areas off the Shiawassee and Bad Rivers.
Au Gres Area those trolling for walleye got a few fish off Whitestone Point, Point Au Gres and the mouth of the river in 15 to 25 feet. They used crawlers and body baits.
Au Gres River anglers were getting a few perch and some catfish on crawlers and stink bait.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda pier fishing slowed. Walleye anglers had very limited success as it seems the fish have not made it up from the bay in big numbers yet. Those that did catch fish were casting body baits, twister tails or small spoons. Lake trout are still being caught off the pier head but in limited numbers while still-fishing with minnows or casting body baits.
Au Sable River had decent action with fish still on the beds. Steelhead were in the deeper holes like the Whirl Pool, High Banks, and the Meat Hole. Try spawn, beads, spinners, flies, and small spoons. Brown trout fishing was very good.
Tawas Area a few walleye were caught near the wall when trolling. Those working the drop-off in 20 to 25 feet had sporadic catch rates for Chinook, steelhead and walleye off Alabaster and the Singing Bridge. Pier anglers picked up a few Atlantic salmon.
Tawas River a few walleye, carp and bass were caught behind the Police Post.
Fishing Tip: Taking great catch-and-release photos
Are you an avid catch-and-release angler? Do you like to take photos of the fish you catch, prior to returning them to the water? Do you know the safest way to take these photos so you ensure the fish can live to be caught another day?
- Wet your hands before you handle the fish – that way you won’t remove any of the protective mucus (aka slime) the fish has coating their body.
- Remember a fish can not breathe out of water, so they will become uncomfortable rather quickly. Keep the fish in the water until your camera is ready to take the shot.
- Take your photo with the fish fairly close to the water, that way if it squirms out of your hands it will land in the water – not on a hard surface.
- While holding a fish do not pinch or squeeze it and do not stick your fingers in its gills.
- Be mindful of the different kinds of fish that have teeth and/or spines that could stick you.