Saginaw Bay: After heavy rain and near-record high temperatures last weekend, ice conditions were unsafe in most places. Anglers are cautioned to stay off the ice until the colder weather has a chance to make new ice. Perch fishing in shallow water should be possible again after a few days of frigid weather. A few pike and walleye came out of the Hot Pond by those using jigs or crank baits.
Au Gres River: Water levels were high and muddy. Those using long rods did manage to catch a few perch. Surf anglers fishing spawn off the mouth of Whitney Drain at the Singing Bridge caught some nice steelhead but they were putting in a lot of time for each fish caught.
Kawkawlin River: Was high and muddy. Those using long-rods caught perch but they were small.
Saginaw River: Walleye fishing was pretty good before the rain and snow melt. Rising muddy water and floating ice chunks made fishing nearly impossible.
Tittabawassee River: Walleye fishing was good before the muddy water.
Quanicassee River: Fishing was slow however small perch were caught on minnows or wigglers.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Au Sable River: This has been another unusual winter for the river. Like most of last year, the boat ramps are not iced in or snow covered so people are launching dories and other boats. Steelhead were moving in and out of the river. Quite a few of the fish caught were chrome colored and healthy. Try spoons, spinners, body baits, spawn or wax worms. Early morning and late evening were best. Fish can be found from the mouth to Foote Dam.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Master Angler – Recognizing big catches since 1973!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the DNR’s successful Master Angler program. Launched in 1973 to better recognize anglers who catch unusually large fish, the Master Angler program began with just 19 species of fish eligible to win distinctive Master Angler shoulder patches. In 1992, the catch and release category was established.
Master Angler has expanded over time to include 52 various species for which anglers may compete for honors. At the end of each calendar year, recognition certificates are also awarded to anglers entering the top five fish in each category.
The 2013 Master Angler application is already available, and can be obtained at www.michigan.gov/masterangler
The deadline for submitting an entry is January 10, 2014. Be sure to include a photo of your fish if it has not already been identified by a DNR fisheries biologist.