Saginaw Bay had a slow week. If it was not raining the wind was blowing so the bay was churned up and muddy. When boats could get out, a few walleye were taken on harnesses out near Buoy #1, in the Slot off Sebewaing in 12 to 14 feet or outside the islands. A few perch were taken off Linwood around Sailboat Buoys A, B and E, the old shipping channel in 15 feet, near the Spark Plug in 25 feet or just north of Spoils Island in 16 feet.
Au Gres Area walleye were taken straight out in 30 to 35 feet and near the Bell Buoy when trolling a crawler harness. Fish were found in 40 feet out near the NOAA weather buoy. Some perch were taken in 13 to 17 feet off the mouth of the Pine River.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda lake trout were caught in 85 to 140 feet when trolling spoons, meat rigs, and dodgers with spin-glo’s. Lake trout were found near the bottom while steelhead and walleye were 40 to 80 feet down. Strong winds have made it difficult to get out and find fish. Pier anglers caught channel cats and freshwater drum on crawlers and stick baits.
Au Sable River was slow. A few channel cats, bowfin, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and freshwater drum were taken by those still-fishing with crawlers.
Tawas Area walleye were caught with harnesses and bottom bouncers around Buoys 4 & 6. Fish were also caught in 40 to 55 feet down near the Bell Buoy off Whitestone Point, and in 70 feet outside Tawas Bay when trolling spoons.
Fishing Tip: Catching big pike in the summer
Most anglers consider winter the best time to catch a trophy-sized pike, but following a few key pointers can make summer pike fishing worthwhile.
When it’s very warm out think about where pike will hide – places with cooler water. These spots include along the thermocline, where coldwater streams/rivers flow into lakes, or around springs.
Look for water bodies that aren’t densely populated with pike so those present may have a chance to grow fairly large. Also consider locations that have special regulations (size limits).
Lastly, focus on water bodies that have a good pike forage base – particularly other species that prefer cooler water.
Want to learn even more about fishing for northern pike? Check out Michigan DNR’s website.