Saginaw Bay: Had very good walleye fishing between Linwood Road and the Saginaw River. Off Linwood, try crawlers in 18 to 20 feet, crawler harnesses in four to six feet off Kawkawlin, jigging crank baits around Spoils Island or jigging minnows and plastic worms near Consumers. No perch to report. On the east side, the water remains muddy and most of the marinas were not open yet. Quanicassee had no activity as the skid piers were not yet in. At Sebewaing, bass were caught from the channel and in the canals. The marina at Bay Port is still being dredged and the water is muddy. Only a couple boats were out trolling near the sailboat buoys. Bass anglers had fair action out by North Island. At Caseville, those fishing off the wall caught a few walleye. Smallmouth bass were caught and released.
Saginaw River: Many walleye were caught in the lower river.
Tittabawassee River: Had excellent walleye fishing between the Center Street launch and the M-46 launch. Anglers are also catching fish by the Caldwell launch which is near the Gordonville-Mapleton area. Try rapalas or jigging with crawlers.
Au Gres: Had good walleye fishing with an average of five to eight fish per boat. Boats were fishing straight as well as north and south of Point Au Gres. Try 15 to 30 feet of water. Pier fishing was slow.
Au Gres River: A few walleye were caught near the Singing Bridge.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Au Sable River: The water is up, making it easier for boats to make their way up and down the river. The water is still muddy but looks to be clearing. Good numbers of steelhead can be found. They are hitting on flies, spawn, wax worms, spoons and body baits. Suckers are also making their way up into the river but walleye were still moving in and out. Those fishing down near the mouth did catch walleye in the late evening when using crawlers, leeches or body baits.
Port Austin: Had rumors of a few walleye being caught.
Tawas: Catch rates slowed with only a couple walleye taken in 14 to 16 feet of water off Jerry’s Marina. Most were using Hot-n-Tots or body baits. Pier fishing was slow.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Things to think about when fishing for trout
Many anglers search for the latest tips and tricks when fishing for trout and one of the best may also be the most simple: don’t forget that trout can see!
Trout are known to have excellent vision so consider the following if you head out this spring:
• Cast out far ahead of you to prevent the trout from seeing you.
• When wading, do so carefully and avoid rapid movement which could spook the fish.
• Don’t wear any shiny objects; including watches or tools on your vest.
• Stay away from wearing bright colors, stick to dark browns and greens.
• Remember that trout usually face into the current so cast upstream.
To learn more about fishing for trout in Michigan check out our Michigan Fish and How to Catch Them website