Saginaw Bay walleye were caught a mile south of the Green Spark Plug in 24 feet, off Gambil’s in 16 feet, off the Pinconning Bar in 12 to 14 feet, off Linwood in 17 feet and off the Callahan Reef. Along the inner bay, success was spotty because the fish were scattered. Some were caught in 12 to 14 feet on blue and silver crawler harnesses and a few were caught along the Coryeon Reef. No perch to report in the inner bay. From Quanicassee to Bay Port, the fish were scattered so anglers were fishing at all depths. Some did best in 10 to 14 feet when using crawler harnesses or Hot-n-Tot’s. For more information. . .
Saginaw River shore anglers at Smith Park caught channel cats and freshwater drum.
Au Gres Area walleye fishing was slow for some. The best action was in 10 to 15 feet when using Hot-n-Tot’s, husky jerks and crawler harnesses. The action was scattered around the shipping channel, off the hotel and towards the Saganing Bar.
Au Gres River is producing a few channel cats.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda catch rates picked up for boat and shore anglers. Boat anglers had good success fishing the bottom two-thirds of water 120 to 150 feet deep. Dark colors work best but anglers might want to think about running a good spread of baits throughout the water column. Pier anglers caught a mix of smallmouth bass, catfish, pike and walleye. Start looking for the early fall salmon or steelhead off the piers because they were logged in at this time last year.
Port Austin Area was producing salmon in 100 to 120 feet. Anglers found better walleye fishing here. Try crawler harnesses near the light and to the west in 40 feet. A couple fish were caught off Oak Point.
Tawas Area trollers caught a few walleye near Buoys #4 and #6 and off Jerry’s Marina. Some caught small perch. Pier anglers are getting smallmouth, rock bass and a few perch. Those casting body baits at night have caught a few walleye.
- Tawas River is producing a few rock bass and smallmouth bass.
Weekly Fishing Tip: More hints on targeting walleye
Most anglers targeting walleye know that catching them in the spring is much easier than catching them during the warmer summertime months. In most Michigan lakes walleye in the summer typically seek cooler, deeper and darker waters while typically feeding in the shallow waters only at night. Because of some physiological properties of walleye, their sensitivity to bright light typically results in avoidance of shallow waters during day light periods.
Anglers in the summer time months typically target walleye during the evening and morning time “low-light” periods. Targeted water depths will vary between lakes, but most anglers seek drop-offs where walleye will typically move up to feed in the shallow waters during the evening through morning hours. My experience fishing walleye in this fashion is usually successful by using a leech or minnow on a floating jighead weighted with a small splitshot sinker (or two). Anchoring at the drop-off or using a slow drift has been the most productive for me.
Other anglers may want to troll artificial lures or crawler harnesses along the deeper side of the contour lines in order to cover more area in a shorter time period. My grandfather always used to say, “Once you find them, you need to stay on, em.” I think there is a lot of truth to that.
Walleye fishing is sometimes a frustrating activity due to some long waiting periods between catches and finding the perfect conditions. However, once you get a bite it typically signifies something special and hopefully a memorable experience with family and friends.
Good luck in making memories, you will be glad you did!
This tip was written by Cory Kovacs, Fisheries Management Biologist in Newberry.