Saginaw Bay had good perch action in 8 to 10 feet off the Pinconning Bar and near the H Buoy. They are sorting the small ones but still taking 8 to 10 inch fish. Those fishing off the mouth of the Saginaw River caught few perch but did get a couple walleye on minnows. At Quanicassee boat anglers caught a few perch out near the last channel marker buoys in 11 feet of water. At Sebewaing a few small bluegills and the odd perch were caught off the docks inside the municipal marina. Bay Port is producing smallmouth bass in shallow waters 2 to 4 feet around North Island. Perch anglers are heading to the west side of the bay. At Caseville, a few boats fishing off Oak Point found some perch averaging 10 to 12 inches.
Saginaw River those fishing at Essexville have caught catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth bass, and small perch.
Au Gres fishing was slow. Those trying for perch had limited success. They were fishing straight out from the mouth of the river in 20 to 25 feet. Catch rates were better further down the bay. Down at Singing Bridge, a light number of salmon have been caught in the surf. Fish can be seen offshore. A brown trout was caught.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Pier fishing was hit-or-miss because of the warm water. Try spoons or body baits at night.
- Au Sable River very few fish have made their way up into the river. Watch for cooler temperatures and winds from the north or east which will bring the fish in.
Tawas pier anglers managed to catch a few salmon, some bullhead, the odd walleye or a few small perch.
- Tawas River: Those fishing at night caught a couple salmon.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Consider using lead alternatives
Did you know lead can cause mortality when ingested by mammals and birds? There are nontoxic alternatives to lead available to anglers, such as tin, bismuth, steel and tungsten-nickel allow for use in jigs, sinkers and other gear.
These materials can be found at established sporting goods retailers and online. Please consider using lead alternatives to help protect Michigan’s wildlife.