Saginaw Bay good perch fishing continues around the Sailboat Buoys off Linwood (specifically Buoys A, F, and H) with catches of 40 to 50 per boat and the size ranging eight to 10 inches. Good perch fishing off both the Saganing and Pinconning Bars, in the Black Hole and near Spoils Island. Depths vary so look for other boats. Fishing on the east side of the bay was slower but some perch and a couple walleye were taken off Quanicassee and in the Slot. The best perch fishing was in the morning from dawn until about 11 a.m.
- Quanicassee River shore anglers took a few decent perch in the lower river.
Au Gres Area had slow fishing however there were reports of better perch fishing down off the Saganing and Pinconning Bars. There were rumors of steelhead caught by those surfcasting.
- Au Gres River construction on the boat launch at the mouth of the river is underway. There will be partial ramp closures until construction is completed sometime in November. The ramps will be reduced to one pier with two launch and retrieve lanes. Shore anglers took a mix of small perch, freshwater drum and some bluegills. On the East Branch, those fishing near the Singing Bridge caught a few smallmouth bass.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda pier anglers are fishing early morning and late evening with Cleo’s, wobblers and spoons. Popular colors were blue and silver, orange and silver or glow. Those able to get out on the lake were trolling around the mouth in 12 to 40 feet with spoons, wobble glows and body baits. They caught salmon, steelhead and walleye.
- Au Sable River fishing was still on the slow side.
Tawas Area pier fishing was very slow. A few walleye were caught near the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina and the odd salmon was caught near the buoys on the outside of the bay.
Fishing Tip: Early autumn walleye – what you need to know
Targeting walleye in the fall can offer some of the best fishing of the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you target this sport-fish in the coming weeks.
- In early fall walleye can be found in a variety of locations within the water body, including deep, shallow or anywhere in between. Keep that in mind and don’t stick to one depth range.
- If you’re out in the morning, check the areas where deep water meets the shallow spots.
- As the day goes by start heading deeper, as walleye can be photosensitive.
- Don’t forget to try your luck during the nighttime hours! This can be a very productive time during the fall, especially along rock points and flat areas.