Saginaw Bay walleye were hit-or-miss but still being caught five to six miles off Pinconning Park, 15 feet of water off Linwood and 17 feet off Parish Road. Perch anglers were getting a few in seven feet off the end of Newman Road and Townline Road, near Pinconning. Perch were also caught in five feet off Vanderbilt Park and Hidden Harbor off King Road. Walleye anglers accessing the bay at Thomas Road were going across the Slot, across the Bar, and on out to either Buoy #12 or Buoy #1. The distance to either buoy is miles offshore. At Sebewaing, anglers fishing inside the marina caught bluegill, crappie and perch. Ice anglers at Sebewaing are reminded that on Thursday February 20, dynamite will be used to break up some of the river ice. It would be best to find someplace else to fish for a few days.
Saginaw River fishing was generally slow at all locations from one end of the river to the other however some anglers did very well. There has been a lot of snowmobile traffic which may play a factor in the slower fishing. Walleye were caught near the Zilwaukee Bridge and in 20 feet or more in the Ship Channel. Try fire-tiger jigging rapalas or gold jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads.
Au Gres perch action was spotty in six to eight feet off Palmer Road. Those targeting walleye were going out five miles or more.
Au Gres River walleye anglers were catching mostly sub-legal fish.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Au Sable River Rea Road and Whirlpool were open enough to launch however you will need four-wheel drive. Steelhead are in the holes but ice on the banks will make it difficult to get to them. The gas line was productive for those using small spoons, wax worms, spikes or spawn. Be sure to watch for snowmobile traffic on the trails. Many are out riding because conditions are excellent.
Tawas perch were being caught inside the harbor and off Jerry’s Marina. A few walleye were caught in 20 feet out near the tip of Tawas Point. Those spearing managed to take a couple pike.