Saginaw Bay: Perch action off Palmer Road was slow. Anglers crossing the first crack did find some walleye in 10 feet of water five to eight feet of water. A few walleye were caught in the evening. Some nice perch and a few walleye were caught off the Bay City State Park in 5 feet of water. Fish were caught off the mouth of the Saginaw River near Spoils Island in 10 feet of water. Off Quanicassee, perch were found in six to seven feet of water off Vanderbilt Park. Up near Fish Point, there is open water about two miles offshore so anglers should avoid that area. At Sebewaing, the only thing caught was small perch inside the harbor. Due to low water levels, there is almost no activity out on the bay. Those looking for crappie had to go out to Maisou Island just to find enough water under the ice to fish in. The ice was not good in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, most of the ice shanties have been removed from the harbor and the marina basins
Saginaw River: Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution especially with the cracks and open water. The Rust Avenue Ramp is iced in. The ice through downtown Saginaw is not safe. The ice around Zilwaukee was iffy at best. Those fishing Cass Avenue caught some walleye. Further downstream, walleye and perch were caught below the Independence Bridge however there is open water and ice conditions were not consistent. Walleye and perch were caught near the mouth. Anglers were using the Patterson Road access for the lower bay and Spoils Island.
| NEW ICE REPORT ! ! ! CAUTION |
Tittabawassee River: A few were carrying their boats so they could access the river. There is deep snow in the parking lots and launch ramps at Gordonville Road and Center Street. Those heading up to the Dow Dam from Gordonville and downstream to the confluence with the Shiawassee off Center Street caught some nice fish and some took limit catches.
Shiawassee River: Is producing small bluegills and some crappie in the backwaters.
Au Gres River: Some were fishing the lower river but catch rates were spotty.
Pine River: Is producing some small perch in the lower river.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Au Sable River: Steelhead are still moving up and down the river. Anglers are out in force even with the cold temperatures. The fish are traveling from the mouth to the dam. Those fishing upstream are using spawn and wax worms. Between the bridge on 23 and the mouth, anglers are using spawn, spinners, spoons and body baits.
Tawas: Those fishing near Jerry’s Marina in Tawas Bay have caught a few perch in 15 to 20 feet of water. A couple pike were speared and a few walleye were also caught. Perch anglers report seeing a lot of smelt down the holes, more than they have seen in years. A big field of ice off Tawas Point broke free and drifted out so anglers are pretty much staying well inside the Point.
Tawas River: Was frozen over so no early steelhead fishing just yet. Whitney Drain was frozen over.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Safety Tips for Spring Ice Fishing
It’s almost officially spring and there still may be numerous opportunities in different locations throughout the state to get out on the ice. But just remember, there are a few important safety precautions to take if you plan to do so:
1. Towards the end of the season, ice becomes rotten and soft. Although ice may still be more than a foot thick, it might not be strong enough to hold someone safely.
2. Don’t forget to still carry the appropriate safety items, such as ice picks and a throw rope. And remember to wear a personal flotation device when heading out.
3. Continue to use the buddy system and know you’ll have someone with you to help if you fall through the ice.
4. Carry a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof plastic bag. Make sure it is easily accessible on your person in case of an emergency.
5. Pay attention to the weather. If it hasn’t been consistently cold or if there has been a lot of wind you can’t guarantee there will be solid ice to head out on.