Saginaw Bay: The good spots for perch included sailboat buoys A, B, and C; 16 feet of water off Linwood, 12 to 15 feet along the Pinconning Bar, both the old and the new Shipping Channel, near the mouth of the Saginaw River and around Spoils Island. Along the inner bay, the best perch fishing was in eight to 10 feet straight north off the mouth of the Quanicassee River where most boats did catch fish. The key is to move around until you find an active school or some weed beds that will attract minnows. A few fish were caught off Sebewaing and from the Slot-side of North Island.
- Saginaw River: Perch were caught in the lower river from the mouth upstream to the Independence Bridge. Specifically mentioned was the river mouth, the area just off Bay Harbor Marina, Smith Park, and at the Independence Bridge. These areas are a good option for boat anglers on days when the bay is too rough to fish.
- Au Gres Area: Perch fishing was good straight off the mouth of the Au Gres River in 20 to 30 feet and near the Steeples north of Big Charity Island in 50 feet. Perch were running eight to 10 inches with the occasional fish up to 12. Down at Eagle Bay Marina at the end of Sagatoo Road, some limit catches of perch were taken by boat anglers in 10 to 15 feet between the Saganing and Pinconning Bars.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Chinook salmon were caught off the breakwalls at the mouth of the Au Sable River by those casting rapalas, body baits and spoons or drifting spawn bags. Boats trolling just off the mouth in 35 feet were also getting Chinook up to 16 pounds with J-plugs and spoons. Pier anglers are getting smallmouth bass and freshwater drum. Night anglers caught channel cats and walleye.
- Au Sable River: Anglers caught Chinook salmon down at the mouth.
Port Austin: Did not have much to report but a few anglers were starting to fish from the breakwall at night or in small boats just outside the breakwall for walleye.
Tawas: Windy weather has kept most boats ashore and pier anglers were few.
- Tawas River: Produced several Chinook salmon for those casting rapalas, body baits and spoons or drifting spawn bags. Smallmouth bass, freshwater drum and catfish were also caught.
Fishing Tip: Early autumn walleye – what you need to know
Targeting walleye in the fall can offer some of the best fishing of the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you target this sportfish in the coming weeks.
- In early fall walleye can be found in a variety of locations within the water body, including deep, shallow or anywhere in between. Keep that in mind and don’t stick to one depth range.
- If you’re out in the morning, check the areas where deep water meets the shallow spots.
- As the day goes by start heading deeper, as walleye can be photosensitive.
- Don’t forget to try your luck during the nighttime hours! This can be a very productive time during the fall, especially along rock points and flat areas.
To learn more about fishing for walleye in Michigan, including bait/tackle techniques and locations to try out, check out their page on the DNR’s Michigan Fish & How to Catch Them website.