Saginaw Bay: Had good walleye catches off the Pinconning Bar in 10 to 12 feet of water, three to four miles out from Linwood, one mile north of Callahan Road, and in six feet of water off Finn Road. Most are using crawler harnesses. Between Quanicassee and Sebewaing, walleye fishing was good along the north end of the Slot. The fish here were bigger and some limit catches were reported by those using pink and green crawler harnesses. Walleye fishing off Bay Port was slow. Good smallmouth bass fishing in Wildfowl Bay. At Caseville, anglers were walleye fishing off the wall.
Saginaw River: Is producing walleye between the Coast Guard Station and the mouth. Most are using Hot-n-Tots. Freshwater drum and catfish were caught at Essexville Park.
Tittabawassee River: Water levels were high and muddy. No anglers were out.
Au Gres: Was producing limit catches of walleye with crawler harnesses in 30 feet of water between Point Au Gres and Pointe Lookout. A few boats were going northeast of Point Lookout and fishing along and beyond the gravelly shoal.
Au Gres River: Is producing freshwater drum, catfish and bowfin.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Walleye are making their way in. Pier anglers have done well late in the evening and just before sun up.
Au Sable River: Steelhead are still making their way up the river. Most of the fish caught are silver and fresh from the lake. Foote Dam is closed for construction. The Rea Road launch is accessible and the trail was open. Fish were still on the beds at Whirlpool, the Boy Scout Camp and near High Banks.
Tawas: Was slow, cold and windy. Those trolling between Jerry’s Marina and Buoy #2 caught very few fish. Boat anglers in Tawas Bay caught smallmouth bass.
Tawas River: Is producing smallmouth bass, catfish, freshwater drum and bowfin.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Fishing for muskellunge is a premier challenge
Known as “the fish of 10,000 casts,” muskellunge are a tremendous game fish native to the lakes and streams of Michigan. They are a prized catch to many anglers, but present many challenges when trying to do so. But if you do your research and are patient – you too could possibly land a big one!
Muskie anglers can choose from a variety of methods such as trolling, casting or still fishing with live bait. Tackle requirements for muskellunge are stouter than equipment generally used for walleyes and bass. Larger, bulkier lures and fish that exceed 30 pounds or more call for heavier lines and stronger rods. It should be noted that muskie fishing success usually requires more dedication and persistence than for other species.