Saginaw Bay had few anglers off Eagle Bay Marina but a couple good catches of perch were taken in eight to 13 feet. Some perch were also taken from the old state bridge in Quanicassee. Those fishing the inner bay did well for bluegills with some nice fish caught by shore anglers at Finn Road in 11 feet and northeast of Sebewaing off Pop’s Place. Bluegills were also taken by shore anglers between Sebewaing and Bay Port. The bite was best when the sun came out. A couple bass boats at Bay Port caught a few largemouth bass close to shore. When the weather allows, anglers can find some good size smallmouth out near North Island.
- Saginaw River a few perch were caught near Smith Park and Wirt Stone at Essexville.
Au Gres Area a few were out but one boat came in with about 20 decent size perch that were caught in 45 feet near the NOAA weather buoy.
- Au Gres River was producing some catfish.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda pier anglers were casting spoons and crank baits for salmon and trout. Atlantic salmon should be staging off the mouth of the river, but poor weather has not allowed anglers the opportunity to target them. Walleye were caught by pier anglers still-fishing with crawlers or casting crank baits in the morning and evening hours. Those using crawlers caught channel cats, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum.
- Au Sable River Atlantic salmon continuing to trickle in. Anglers are casting spoons and spinners, floating spawn bags or swinging and drifting streamer flies. Most fish were caught above the Whirlpool, but the numbers were still low. A couple Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, and pike were taken when casting rapalas and spoons. The river was high and fast. Water temperatures were in the low 60’s and dropping.
Port Austin a few perch were caught from the docks.
Tawas Area a couple walleye were caught by boat anglers fishing off Tawas Point, and by those casting at the mouth of the river. Night anglers managed to get a couple off the pier but fishing inside the harbor was tough because it was packed full of minnows.
Fishing Tip: Lake whitefish, not just for commercial anglers!
Although extremely important to Great Lakes commercial fishers, lake whitefish are becoming more and more popular with recreational anglers throughout Michigan. But you really have to know how to catch this delicious species!
The lake whitefish has a small, exceedingly delicate mouth and is confined to dining on insects, freshwater shrimp, small fish and fish eggs, and bottom organisms. Most feeding takes place on or near lake-bottoms. Keep that in mind when selecting your bait.
If you’re interested in staying inland and looking for lake whitefish, stick with deep, clear-water lakes. If you’re interested in heading to the Great Lakes they can most often be found in deep water, either on or near the bottom.
For more information on fishing for lake whitefish visit Michigan DNR’s website.