Saginaw Bay perch fishing was on the slow side along the shipping channel and near the sailboat buoys. Fish were caught straight north or the river mouth at Quanicassee in eight to 10 feet. They ranged eight to 12 inches and while some reported 20 to 25 per boat some did much better than others. Decent catches were reported off Sebewaing and some pike in the Sebewaing River. Panfish were caught off Old State Road and in the marina at Sebewaing. A couple walleye were taken from the Slot and a few smallmouth bass were taken around the islands and at Caseville.
- Saginaw River did produce some perch in the lower river near the mouth. Fishing here is a good option if it’s too windy out on the bay.
- Au Gres Area one boat trolling near Big Charity Island caught a few walleye. The spot for perch was just north of White’s Beach at Eagle Bay Marina. Several good catches were landed in 15 to 24 feet off the Saganing Bar and the Pinconning Bar. One fish measured 14 inches but most were nine to 12 inches.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Grindstone City boat anglers caught a couple steelhead and the occasional salmon in 130 to 160 feet northeast of the harbor.
Oscoda Area a few salmon were caught. There were no reports of any steelhead in the area. Rough conditions have kept most anglers in the river but those able to get out were marking a lot of fish straight out in 12 to 40 feet.
Tawas Area a couple boats trolling for walleye off Jerry’s Marina and out near Buoy #2 were still getting one or two fish. Pier fishing was slow.
- Tawas River anglers fishing from about 4 a.m. until dawn were doing battle with some Chinook salmon and occasionally landing one. There are definitely fish in the river but they’re hard to land in the close confines.
Fishing Tip: Go “hunting” for fish this fall
Autumn can be one of the best times of year to seek out your favorite fish species for a day of fun angling. Several species to target this October and November include walleye, perch and trout.
Walleye are thought to be in their best condition in the fall, and can often be found in the river-mouth areas of larger, inland lakes. They’re gathering there to take advantage of baitfish that like to hang out as the weather cools off. Set your sights on 10 to 12 feet deep to find these guys.
Perch will also populate around those same river-mouths, but these fish will likely be much closer to the river than walleyes. Check out depths as shallow as four feet to find them.
Trout will be available in those larger lakes as well during this time period, and can be found in the same areas as the walleye and perch.
Try your luck at some great angling this fall. For more information on the numerous opportunities to fish in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/fishing.