Saginaw Bay a.m. fishing was slow for walleye but the evening bite was pretty good. Anglers can see the fish in the morning but they would not bite. Catch rates picked up considerably between late afternoon and dark especially in 18 to 20 feet near the Black Hole, 15 to 23 feet off Linwood and 3.5 miles north of Spoils Island.
A couple perch were caught near the first pressure crack off the Bay City State Park. The Hot Pond and Vanderbilt Park were slow. Walleye were caught in 20 feet of water off the end of Callahan Road but that is a long way out! Those fishing off Thomas Road caught a few walleye from the Slot. Bluegills and crappie were caught in the marina at Sebewaing. Those fishing the river and marina at Caseville caught a few small perch.
Saginaw River fishing was generally slow from Wickes Park north through Saginaw, around the Zilwaukee Bridge, and the Middle Grounds at the south end of Bay City. Anglers say the fish are there but they are not biting. A couple walleye were caught after dark at the Middle Grounds, below the Independence Bridge and downstream of the U.S.S. Edson. Some perch were caught off the cement plant at Essexville. Try perch rigs and minnows.
Au Gres fishing was slow. At Palmer Road, walleye anglers were going out about four miles and fishing in the evening. Fishing pressure was light as most were heading down to Linwood.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Tawas fishing was slow on the bay. Perch anglers inside the harbor are getting a few. Walleye anglers were marking and seeing fish but they would not bite.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Understanding fish posture to help with ice fishing success
Fish often maintain one of two postures – one where they are ready to strike (fins up and backs arched) or one where they are focused on traveling (fins tucked in). Understanding these postures can aid in your fishing success, particularly through the ice.
The first step when using fish posture to impact your ice fishing techniques is to have appropriate equipment, such as sonar. This tool allows you to visualize the posture and react effectively.
Secondly, pay attention to time periods of aggressive posture. Most likely you will see it exhibited around sunrise and sunset – plan your trips accordingly.
Michigan offers some of the best fishing throughout the year. Plan your next outing by visiting www.michigan.gov/fishing.