Saginaw Bay a few walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off Linwood and the Bay City State Park. A couple perch were caught in six feet off Newman Road. Those wading at the Hot Pond caught a few pike. Those heading off the end of Callahan Road caught some nice walleye about eight miles out. Near Quanicassee, perch anglers did well off and on at Vanderbilt Park. They were fishing out near the first pressure crack. Walleye anglers continue to fish about 10 miles off Sunset Bay Marina and Thomas Road. Catch rates were hit-or-miss.
2014 MCOA Ice Fishing Championship 2/15/2014
for more information click here
Attention Anglers:
The Village of Sebewaing is planning to use dynamite to break up some of the river ice to prevent flooding. This action will take place on or about February 20. There are signs posted to alert the public. For now, anglers are fishing off the VFW, Rose Island and Geiger Road. Most are likely fishing the Slot or crossing the Bar to deeper water. Perch were spotty at Mud Creek.
Saginaw River walleye fishing was slow at Wickes Park, Middle Grounds, Cass Avenue, Veterans Park and Smith Park. A few fish were taken south of the Zilwaukee Bridge near the grain silos in 23 feet or downstream of the Liberty Bridge and out to the channel in 23 feet. Some five and six pounders were taken between I-675 and First Street but those fishing near the mouth off Patterson Road caught many sub-legal fish.
Tittabawassee River a couple walleye were caught through the ice downstream of the Center Road Bridge. This area is close to open water so anglers use caution.
Au Gres most of the fishing activity was down near Pointe Au Gres off Booth Road. Perch were taken at the edge of the drop-off in eight feet and some walleye were taken out further. Down off Palmer Road, walleye anglers are getting a few fish from the Catfish Hole at dusk. Catch rates for perch about a mile offshore were spotty in six feet of water.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda Au Sable River has steelhead in good numbers. Anyone making the effort to get to the open areas on the river should be successful when using spawn, wax worms or small spinners. There is ice built up along the banks but open water areas up river between the Whirlpool and the dam. Parking is at a minimum in most places. You may be able to launch at Whirlpool and Rea Road, but launches have ice built up so you may have to break through to launch a boat. The snowmobile trails have been very active so use caution if walking on the trials.
Tawas perch were caught off Jerry’s Marina and inside the harbor. Most fish were six to eight inches but a few were up near the 10 inch range. Walleye fishing was active out near the edge of the safe ice but catch rates were slow. Pike spearing was also slow.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Go fishing for FREE this weekend!
Just a reminder this Saturday and Sunday brings the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend to Michigan!
On those two days all fishing license fees will be waived. Residents and out-of-state visitors will be able to enjoy fishing on both inland and waters of the Great Lakes for all species of fish during their respective open seasons. Please note all regulations still apply during that time.
There are plenty of ways to take advantage of the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend – whether that means heading out to your favorite fishing hole or taking your family to an organized event. Events are being held throughout Michigan, including in the counties of Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Cheboygan, Clinton, Emmet, Gogebic, Iosco, Keweenaw, Macomb, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Otsego, Roscommon, Saginaw, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.
Please note all events are subject to local weather conditions.
More information on the events mentioned above and on this weekend’s unique opportunity to fish for free can be found at www.michigan.gov/freefishing