Saginaw Bay walleye were caught off the Rifle, Saganing and Pinconning Bars in 15 to 30 feet, off the Bay City State Park in 8 to 10, near the Dumping Grounds, along the Callahan Reef, near Buoys 1 & 2 and near the Spark Plug when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses. Those trolling around Spoils Island 4 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. caught some big walleye on crank baits. On the east side, those trolling off Quanicassee and the south end of the Slot caught walleye, catfish, yellow and white perch, a few pike and freshwater drum in 12 to 18 feet when using crawler harnesses with purple, pink, chartreuse, brass or copper blades. From Sebewaing to Caseville, the walleye action was much slower with only a couple taken from the Slot outside North Island and in Wildfowl Bay.
Saginaw River shore anglers along the lower river at Essexville continue to catch catfish, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum on crawlers.
Tittabawassee River anglers were still taking a few walleye when trolling crankbaits downstream of the Center Road launch to the confluence with the Shiawassee River.
Au Gres Area had lots of walleye anglers but the best action was south of Pointe Au Gres with some boats going as far south as Linwood to fish. Fish were caught off the Rifle, Saganing and Pinconning Bars in 15 to 30 feet. Some were going to Buoys 1 & 2 or further south to the Spark Plug. Crawler harnesses have replaced crankbaits as the go-to walleye lure.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda walleye are just starting to show up. Those drifting the river and fishing the pier are picking up a few on crawlers or casting body baits. Lake trout are just now starting to move out so try 50 to 90 feet. Work the entire water column with spoons, spin-glo’s and wobble glo’s behind dodgers.
Au Sable River is still producing a couple steelhead up near Foote Dam. Walleye are being caught at the mouth in the early morning or late at night. Those fishing the shallows on Foote Dam Pond are catching bluegills. Brook trout have been caught in the South Branch.
Port Austin to Grindstone City Area smallmouth bass were the main attraction. Small boat anglers were getting them inside the harbor at Port Austin. Wading anglers did very well in Eagle Bay off Grindstone City. They caught lots of bass using leeches and minnows, jigs and twister tails, tube baits or rapalas.
Tawas Area boat anglers targeting smallmouth bass were doing very well with soft plastics. Those trolling for walleye reported slow catch rates so most were heading down to Au Gres. Pier fishing was slow with only a few rock bass or smallmouth bass taken.
Fishing Tip: Fall in love with fishing – hook, line & sinker
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Partake in the DNR’s Hook, Line and Sinker program and you’ll be equipped with the skills to become an excellent angler!
This program is available weekly at more than 30 state parks and fish hatcheries from mid-June until the end of summer. The program teaches participants casting and fishing basics and equipment and bait are provided.
Participants under the age of 17 do not need a fishing license. Programs are free, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/hooklineandsinker.