Saginaw Bay ice angling continues with lots of people out fishing. Cold nights continue to sustain the ice but driving trucks out there is not a good idea. The snow cover is gone, so bring your cleats. Rivers have yet to open up so steelhead and sucker fishing are pretty much on hold. On the west side, only a couple walleye were caught because of dirty water. The occasional perch and walleye were taken in six to eight feet off Townline Road and Newman Road. Those fishing off the Bay City State Park caught walleye in 15 to 17 feet. Fish were also taken in nine feet off Parish Road, 14 feet off Killarney Beach, and four to 10 feet off the trailer park near the mouth of the Saginaw River. Most are heading out about 6 pm and fish until after dark. On the East side, fish were caught in 14 feet off Thomas Road and Sunset Bay Marina. At Sebewaing and Caseville, the water is getting dirty and the river ice is getting bad as runoff starts to erode it. “Hot Bite” click here
Au Gres there were lots of anglers fishing off Palmer Road. They’re getting both walleye and perch from six to eight feet of water. No limits but some nice fish were caught.
Au Gres River steelhead anglers hoping to fish the East Branch will have to wait a bit longer because Whitney Drain near the Singing Bridge is still iced in.
Rifle River dip net season opened on March 20 however anglers will be waiting a while as the river was still iced in.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Tawas a few nice perch were caught in 18 feet off Jerry’s Marina however anglers were throwing back a lot of small ones. Quite a few were fishing inside the harbor but the fish were small. A few walleye were caught out past the end of Tawas Point in water at least 20 feet deep.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Buy your 2014 fishing license!
For many of you it may be time to buy your 2014 fishing license so you can enjoy the numerous angling opportunities available in Michigan each year. This year’s license is valid until March 31, 2015.
Are you aware of the simple ways you can buy a Michigan fishing license?
1. Visit your local license retailer and make a purchase in person!
2. Use the E-License system on your computer, tablet or mobile phone to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just visit www.mdnr-elicense.com to get started!