Saginaw Bay: Those trolling husky jerks off Linwood caught a fair to good number of walleye in 16 to 18 feet of water. The trick is to find clean water. Walleye were caught east of Spoils Island. The east side of the bay from Quanicassee to Port Austin had nothing to report. The post spawn walleyes have just undergone a two week stretch of high water and strong currents. Under these conditions, the fish can be urged to move back down toward Saginaw Bay.
Saginaw River: While water levels have crested in most of the central Michigan rivers, flooding remains widespread and the prognosis for the upcoming walleye opener is guarded at best. There is no telling what shape the launch ramps will be in, but expect a lot of mud and woody debris. Those living close to inland lakes with walleye might want to try fishing those lakes as an alternative to the rivers.
Tittabawassee River: Had high water levels and a strong current. The river could be back within its banks by the weekend if it does not rain.
Au Gres: A lot of boats have been going out on the bay and looking for clean water. A good number of walleye have been caught in 15 to 20 feet of water around Point Lookout and White Stone Point when trolling body baits or jigging with jig heads tipped with minnows or smelt. Some limit catches were reported.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Au Sable River: Is high and fast. The strong current actually turned the dock at the Rea Road launch site. Even with the high water levels, shore anglers reported good fishing. Upstream, they are using spawn, flies and wax worms. Down at the mouth, try spawn, spoons or body baits off the end of the pier. There were reports of a couple walleye taken off the end of the pier late at night.
Tawas: Is producing a few walleye for those trolling crank baits off the mouth of the Tawas River and back in the bay off Jerry’s Marina. Nothing going on inside the harbor, it is just too muddy.
Weekly Fishing Tip: “DNR Live: Fish” scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Anglers and others interested in fisheries management in Michigan are invited to join the Department of Natural Resources at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30 for “DNR Live: Fish” – a one-hour online forum designed to answer questions from the public about the state’s fisheries, fishing seasons and regulations.
The one-hour video event will stream live on the DNR’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/miDNR A Facebook account is not required to access the page and watch the livestream event.
The online forum will feature a panel of DNR experts who will answer a variety of questions about fisheries management and angling, including current and new regulations and fishing opportunities.
The public is invited to post questions in advance on the DNR’s Facebook page, send via Twitter to @MichiganDNR (using the hashtag #DNRlive), or email to dnr-facebook@michigan.gov Questions will also be taken during the event itself.
For more information about how to participate in the “DNR Live: Fish” online forum, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing