Saginaw Bay boat anglers caught walleye out just beyond the Spoils Island. Limit catches were common from the Slot from Oakhurst north to Sunset Bay Marina, from the Callahan Reef area, and from deeper water between the Bar and the Spark Plug (buoys 11 and 12). Crawler harnesses were best. Purple, pink, chartreuse and brass were the best colors for crawler harness spinners.
- Saginaw River anglers reported catching catfish, sheepshead and walleye.
- Tittabawassee River this will be the last river report of the season. The fishery is now mostly for smallmouth bass; the walleye and white bass have tapered off for the summer. The river is high and muddy after recent heavy rains up the watershed.
Au Gres Area when they could get out, boats heading in all directions were catching a lot of walleye on crawler harnesses in 28 to 35 feet. Limit catches of eight fish per angler were common.
- Au Gres River a lot of catfish and freshwater drum were caught in the lower river.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda anglers trolling spoons in 60 to 90 feet had good catches of lake trout near the bottom and a few pink salmon up high. Lake trout were taken as far out as 150 feet and around the Hump in the bottom 20 feet. Pier anglers still-fishing with crawlers caught channel cats up to 10 pounds. Walleye and smallmouth bass were taken when drifting or still-fishing with crawlers, twister tail jigs and body baits. Lots of rock bass, carp and freshwater drum were taken on crawlers.
- Au Sable River anglers were finding decent numbers of walleye from River Road down to the mouth when drifting night crawlers from a boat or under a bobber. A few steelhead were still present in the river, with a few caught on drifted flies. Nice sized smallmouth bass have been taken by anglers drifting the river and stripping streamer flies. Anglers still fishing night crawlers near the mouth of the river have had good catches of channel catfish.
Tawas Area when they could get out, boats trolling in Tawas Bay did pretty good for walleye around Buoys 4 and 6 in the inner bay and out as far as Buoy 2, south of Alabaster and out near the Charity Islands. Bass anglers working the shallows caught a lot of smallmouths on tube jigs.
- Tawas River smallmouth, catfish and freshwater drum were caught in the lower river.
Fishing Tip: Fish for FREE this weekend (among other things)
Don’t forget that all Michigan residents and non-residents can fish without a license this Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10! Please note all other fishing regulations still apply.
Saturday and Sunday make up the summer Free Fishing Weekend – an annual effort to promote Michigan’s numerous fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well.
Additionally this weekend is the DNR’s “Three Free” Weekend where you can also ride off-road trails and visit any Michigan state park for free! The ORV license, trail permit and Recreation Passport fees are also waived this weekend!!
Want to do something fun to celebrate? Visit Michigan.gov/dnr to learn more!