Saginaw Bay had good walleye action for those trolling crank baits in 14 to 16 feet off Linwood. Perch fishing in the cut at Palmer Road was starting to wind down and most of the fish caught were spawned out. Walleye fishing was very good off the mouth of the Saginaw River and east of Spoils Island when trolling or jigging with jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers. At Port Austin, dredging and harbor renovations continue and the ramp is closed.
Tittabawassee River had very good walleye fishing from the Dow Dam all the way downstream to the confluence with the Saginaw.
Saginaw River the walleye opener on the rivers was just outstanding, with lots of anglers and limit catches the rule. Catch rates were good throughout the river including between Essexville and the mouth. Most were vertical jigging with jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers. A few boats trolling crank baits also did well. Walleye fishing in the rivers should be good for at least another couple of weeks.
Quanicassee River perch fishing was about done, but anglers were catching channel catfish, walleye and a few pike.
Sebewaing River was producing a few perch but some were small.
Pigeon River was slow with only a couple walleye taken.
Au Gres has been very busy due to the excellent walleye fishing. A good number of limit catches were taken by those trolling in 15 to 25 feet between Pointe Au Gres and Point Lookout.
Au Gres River steelhead have been caught in the East Branch near the Singing Bridge. Most are drifting spawn or floating spawn sacks. Those wading in the surf at night have caught walleye when casting rapalas.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda rough water has kept many inside the river. Those able to get out have caught fish. Atlantic salmon are showing up around the mouth of the river. Steelhead numbers are on the rise.
Au Sable River steelhead are gaining in numbers and hopefully water temperatures will be warm enough to put fish on the beds soon. As of now, steelhead are holding in the deeper holes between the mouth and the dam. Most have caught fish on spawn, wax worms, fly’s or combinations of natural and artificial baits. Walleye have been caught between the mouth and the dam. Some say the bite was best at night. Try crawlers or body baits.
Tawas perch anglers are catching a lot of small ones and the occasional keeper in the harbor. Minnows are thick inside the harbor. Those fishing the lake side have caught steelhead, brown trout and walleye. Some are casting spoons and crank baits while others are drifting spawn and minnows. A good number of walleye have been caught by those trolling in 10 to 20 feet of water between the mouth of the Tawas River and Alabaster.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Trout season has arrived!rainbow trout
Trout season officially opened this past weekend on Michigan’s inland waters and early season fishing can be quite good. Many anglers successfully swear by dead drifting worms this time of year due to the cold spring waters temperatures, but those heading out should not overlook spinners or small shallow diving crank baits either.
Worms are deadly in the early season but lure fishing can also be very effective at bringing up a big fish from its deepwater lair under a log or under a cut bank.