First Post spawners of 2013
Saginaw Bay: Few anglers were out because of rain and strong winds. Perch anglers were getting a few fish from the cut at the end of Palmer Road. Depending on the weather, anglers could be waiting another week for conditions to improve.
Saginaw River: Water levels are very high and fast as flood warnings continue. No one is fishing under these conditions. Let’s hope the water levels go down before the walleye opener next weekend.
Au Gres River: There was a small smelt run near the Singing Bridge. Dippers should not expect to get a lot, but they might get enough for a couple meals.
Rifle River: Had very high water levels.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Au Sable River: Had increased flow as water levels were up. Fish are making their way from the mouth to the dam. Look for steelhead in the deeper holes when using spawn, spoons, body baits or flies.
Tawas: Pier anglers fishing large live minnows along the outside of the harbor got a few brown trout, lake trout and steelhead. A few perch were caught inside the harbor. Boats trolling off the mouth of the Tawas River were marking fish but not very many were caught.
Weekly Fishing Tip:
Getting ready for Michigan’s trout season opener
Michigan’s general trout season opener will be here soon (Saturday, April 27)! Are you ready to hit the water for some great fishing this spring? Check out the list below for some potential places to visit.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Most everyone is familiar with the “Holy Waters” of the Au Sable, Manistee and Pigeon rivers, but the Sturgeon River also offers great fishing. For lakes, there are several in Montmorency County that are great to try.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
The St. Joseph River proves to be a great destination, along with the Dowagiac Creek and the Dowagiac River. Many tributaries to the Grand River also support populations of brown trout.
Upper Peninsula
Try the lakes in Iron, Marquette, Alger, Luce and Schoolcraft counties or the Fox River system near Seney.