Saginaw Bay walleye anglers are catching a lot of freshwater drum, some catfish and a few really nice yellow perch. Those trolling crawler harnesses are catching the most while those using crank baits and spoons have caught the least. The most productive area was near Buoys 1 & 2 (green spark plug) in 28 to 30 feet. Others were fishing the inner Spark Plug (red) near Buoys 11 & 12 in 22 to 24 feet, north of the Dumping Grounds in 20 feet, Buoys A & H off Linwood, the Slot from Sunset Bay Marina northeast and along the outside of the islands, over the Bar and the Callahan Reef in 10 to 12 feet in the early morning. Near Caseville, a few walleye were taken off Oak Point and Oak Beach in 35 to 45 feet or between Oak Point and the Charity Islands although the action there was not as good. Walleye were also caught between Caseville and Port Austin when the weather permits.
- Au Gres Area had a lot of fishing pressure but success was hit-or-miss. Walleye have been caught but limit catches were rare. The mayfly hatches were pretty thick. Those trolling were in 35 to 45 feet east and southeast of Pointe Au Gres, the Steeples, the “Humps” and down near Buoys 1 & 2.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda had a week of pink salmon catches. A few lake trout came in but those targeting anything were picking up the pinks. Most were marked in 120 to 150 feet. Pier fishing has started to pick up.
- Au Sable River those fishing from the US-23 Bridge to the mouth have caught a couple walleye and some catfish on crawlers and body baits.
Tawas Area trolling for walleye was slow in part to the large mayfly hatches which is when these fish gorge themselves. A few walleye and pike were picked up on Lindy rigs when fishing off Jerry’s Marina. Pier fishing was slow and spotty.
- Tawas River shore anglers caught a few smallmouth bass, rock bass and bluegills.
Fishing Tip: Fishing for a piece of “history”
Lake sturgeon are one of Michigan’s most culturally and historically significant fish species. But many people don’t know much about these living dinosaurs!
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a section of their website dedicated to all things lake sturgeon. The page includes their background, history, angling information, partnership efforts to manage this species, videos and photos and much more. Visit Michigan.gov/sturgeon to learn all about this unique fish.
Interested in fishing for lake sturgeon? Although limited, there are opportunities available. In fact, hook-and-line possession seasons will open on Saturday, July 16 on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and Otsego Lake in Otsego County. Please note there are strict regulations and size restrictions when fishing for lake sturgeon and a Lake Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag is required to participate.
For more information on fishing for lake sturgeon, check out page 15 of the 2016-2017 Fishing Guide.