Saginaw Bay catch rates for perch have increased somewhat off Linwood in 15 to 18 feet. Some reported 30 to 35 fish per boat however they are sorting out the small ones. No shore fishing for perch yet as that usually picks up right around deer season in November. Boat anglers fishing off Quanicassee caught a few perch.
A few boats launching from Bay Port and heading across the bay to Au Gres were bringing back about 30 perch. At Caseville, dredging in the channel continues so fishing was slow. Those perch fishing off Oak Point did well one day but caught nothing the next. A majority of the boats were duck hunters.
Au Gres: Perch fishing picked up with anglers taking up to 25 fish ranging 7 to 11 inches. Most were caught out near the shipping channel in 35 to 45 feet.
- Au Gres River: Is producing salmon and steelhead down at the Singing Bridge and for those surfcasting. For the steelhead, try drifting spawn.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Fish caught from the pier are still in good shape and hitting on spoons or body baits. The occasional walleye has been picked up by anglers targeting salmon or steelhead.
- Au Sable River: More anglers are heading upriver now that the Foote Dam area is open. Fish up near the dam are starting to turn dark but were still in good shape. Try floating spawn. Steelhead are making their way into the river and the number of fish will only increase as we move towards November.
Tawas: Had very little boat activity. Fishing in the harbor and off the piers was slow.
- Tawas River: Is still producing salmon in the lower river at night.
Weekly Fishing Tip:
Lake Whitefish: not just for commercial anglers!
Although extremely important to Great Lakes commercial fishers, lake whitefish are becoming more and more popular with recreational anglers throughout Michigan. But you really have to know how to catch this delicious species!
The lake whitefish has a small, exceedingly delicate mouth and is confined to dining on insects, freshwater shrimp, small fish and fish eggs, and bottom organisms. Most feeding takes place on or near lake-bottoms. Keep that in mind when selecting your bait.
If you’re interested in staying inland and looking for lake whitefish, stick with deep, clear-water lakes. If you’re interested in heading to the Great Lakes they can most often be found in deep water, either on or near the bottom.