Saginaw Bay had excellent walleye fishing last week with limit catches reported from Au Gres through the entire inner bay, out the tip of the Thumb and all the way around to Port Hope and then the rain came. The rivers were flooded, unfishable and are not safe for navigation and will likely remain that way until at least next weekend. All the muddy water is working its way down the Saginaw River and into the bay which will make fishing difficult for several days. The southern end of the bay will be the most affected right along with areas off the river mouths around the bay. Those looking for walleye should move around and find the clearest water they can which could be a long way offshore. Try the middle bay from the inner Spark Plug northeast towards the Charity Islands or 20 to 35 feet off Port Austin, Grindstone City and Port Hope where fish as large as 27 inches were taken.
- Saginaw River had extremely high water levels and a fast current.
Au Gres Area walleye anglers will have to look for clean water as the river is pouring mud into the bay. Boat anglers will want to head out towards the Charity Islands.
- Au Gres River was producing some catfish but the river is not fish-able at this time.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda anglers reported decent catches of lake trout just off the bottom in 50 to 130 feet. Steelhead along with a couple Atlantic salmon and pink salmon were caught in the top 30 in 80 to 130 feet. Try trolling spoons or spin-glo’s with flashers. Anglers trolling and drifting crawler harnesses near the mouth caught walleye in the early morning and evening. Pier anglers using crawlers on the bottom caught channel cats, smallmouth bass, carp and freshwater drum.
- Au Sable River those drifting and trolling crawler harnesses or casting crank baits were taking walleye and smallmouth bass in the morning or evening. Channel cats, carp and freshwater drum were caught by those drifting or still-fishing with crawlers. The current was strong so try a pyramid weight 4 ounces or larger. Pike and largemouth bass were caught on spinners in the marinas.
Tawas Area was slow for walleye however a couple boats that went outside Tawas Point caught lake trout, steelhead and Atlantic salmon in 60 to 80 feet.
Fishing Tip: Eating safe fish in Michigan
There are many benefits to eating fish, but anglers should be aware that some fish have mercury, dioxin, PCBs or other chemicals in them that can be bad for your health if you eat too many.
The Michigan Department of Community Health’s Eat Safe Fish Guide helps you learn about eating safe, local and healthful fish from throughout the state. Their “3Cs” message is simple and easy to remember when it comes to eating safe fish:
- Choose – A general rule of thumb is to remember S.A.F.E.
Smaller fish are usually a good choice, Avoid large predator fish and bottom-feeders, Fat should be removed, Eat fish that have been broiled or grilled on a rack. - Clean – Learn about cleaning techniques (including trimming as much fat from the fish as possible) to help remove chemicals from the fish.
- Cook – Discover cooking techniques that can be used to remove even more chemicals from the fish.
Be informed and check out the Eat Safe Fish Guide to help protect yourself and your family from chemicals that could someday make you sick.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/eatsafefish and then click on the “Going Fishing?” button.