Saginaw Bay: Those trolling were getting a few walleye. It seems you need to keep moving until you find a concentration of active fish. The better areas were the Dumping Grounds, the Callahan Reef, the green Spark Plug (Buoys 1 & 2) in 30 feet, the red Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12) in 25 to 27 feet, the Slot between Sunset Bay and Sand Point, and in both the shallows and deep water along the Bar. Some yellow perch were finally caught around Buoys A and B off Linwood and out near the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12). The perch were 8 to 11 inches and most were caught on worms.
Au Gres Area of Saginaw Bay: The hot spot for walleye was the “Steeples” which is northeast of Big Charity Island when casting Erie Dearies or crank baits
Au Gres River: Anglers caught smallmouth bass, rock bass and freshwater drum. A few catfish were taken in the lower river.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Has good numbers of lake trout. Boat anglers are fishing from Au Sable Point to Greenbush in waters 120 feet and deeper with baits spread throughout the water column. Chinook and steelhead were up high. As the water warms, look for the temperature breaks. Pier anglers have caught a few walleye, smallmouth bass and channel cats in the early morning and late evening.
Au Sable River: Had good smallmouth bass fishing with good numbers of fish and good size. More anglers are turning to kayak fishing. Those casting and drifting had good success.
Tawas: Some walleye were caught from the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina when casting Erie Dearies or crank baits. More walleye and some steelhead were taken out past Buoy #2 in 70 feet. A lot of boats heading north of Big Charity Island caught fish in 15 to 30 feet. Pier fishing was slow.
Tawas River: Was producing a few smallmouth, rock bass and freshwater drum.
Enjoy your catch! Eat safe fish! Learn about eating safe, local and healthful fish from our Great Lakes State at: Michigan.gov/eatsafefish.