Saginaw Bay perch fishing was spotty in seven to 20 feet off Palmer Road. Most anglers were targeting 10 feet and when they found a school of fish, some big ones were caught. Evenings were best for walleye off Erickson Road and some perch were also caught. Walleye were caught in 15 feet off Linwood, six to 15 feet off the Bay City Recreation Area and four to 10 feet off the trailer park. Those heading out from Finn Road and Callahan Road are fishing in seven to 10 feet around the island. Fishing slowed off Quanicassee and Thomas Road. A few small perch were caught in the Slot from Sebewaing to Bay Port and at Geiger Road.
Saginaw River ice conditions will deteriorate quickly with temperatures in the 50’s. Wickes Park and the Zilwaukee Bridge were slow with only a few keepers caught. Catch rates were picking up along M-13 near Veterans Park and the Independence Bridge when fishing on the Essexville side of the channel. Catch rates were slow at the mouth.
Tittabawassee River had little activity. The ice is bad so anglers are not able to get to their fishing spots.
Au Gres Area walleye were caught north of the breakwall in waters five to 18 feet deep.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Tawas Area is producing a few perch in 15 to 20 feet. Many are small but some keepers were taken. A couple walleye were caught in waters 18 to 22 feet deep. Those spearing did take a couple pike.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Storing ice fishing equipment
The opportunities to ice fish are quickly coming to an end – so now may be the time to think about properly storing your ice fishing equipment. Here is a checklist of things to do:
- If you have an auger, check it for any damage and then dry all of the blades before storing it. You may want to consult your power auger’s manual to know how to appropriately handle any leftover gas and how to protect the engine.
- Remove the batteries from any of your electronics to prevent any potential damage from leaking batteries.
- Make sure your portable shelter is completely clean and dry before storing. You may want to put some moth balls in it or hang it to keep certain pests at bay.
- Take a full inventory of your rods, reels and tackle to see what you might need to purchase next year. Also remove all bait or line from your hooks and lures for storage and make sure everything is dry.