Saginaw Bay is producing limit catches of walleye at virtually every port. Everyone was bringing in fish even on the bad days. Surface water temperatures have warmed to the mid 70’s and the walleye are hitting on body baits, spoons and crawler harnesses. One of the keys is to use planer boards for trolling. In-line planer boards are becoming more popular than the traditional large boards. Fish are being caught from the usual hot spots such as Linwood, the Spark Plug, the Slot between Quanicassee and Sand Point, the Bar, and the Callahan Reef. Weeds are starting to become a problem in many of the shallow areas but those fishing along the edge of the weeds in Wildfowl Bay caught good numbers of walleye. Freshwater drum, catfish and yellow perch are hitting on crawler harnesses. As the water continues to warm, there are signs that the walleye may be moving out deeper.
Saginaw River: Some limit catches of walleye are still coming from the lower river and the shipping channel out to Spoils Island.
Flint River: Had lots of boat and shore anglers fishing the Holloway Reservoir.
Au Gres: Everybody is bringing in walleye. Most of the action was in 25 to 35 feet of water between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres however a few boats were heading as far south as the Saganing Bar.
Au Gres River: Shore anglers caught catfish and freshwater drum.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Au Sable River: Walleye are still moving up into the river but catch rates have dropped and the fish were smaller.
Oscoda: Lake trout have been abundant, but steelhead are picking up. Lake trout have moved out deeper so try 100 to 150 feet. Steelhead are in 60 to 80 feet.
Port Austin: Walleye action is picking up on the reefs to the west and out near the lighthouse. Fishing is good to excellent all the way around the tip of the Thumb to Lighthouse Park, southeast of Grindstone City. Anglers are trolling crawlers, body baits and spoons in 15 to 45 feet of water.
Tawas: Was experiencing a large mayfly hatch. Those trolling south toward Alabaster continue to catch walleye in 30 to 50 feet of water when using body baits. Fish were also caught about a mile beyond Buoy #2. Pier anglers caught the occasional smallmouth bass.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Fishing with crankbaits
Many anglers love to fish with crankbaits (also known as plugs), a type of hard-bodied fishing lure. Below are some criteria to think about when selecting a crankbait.
Body Shape
Fat-bodied crankbaits that are shorter will displace more water and create more vibration. Many anglers prefer this type of crankbait when fishing in dark water or at night.
Thin-profile crankbaits glide through the water with minimal resistance. This option is great when fishing clear water and targeting species that are sight feeders.
Buoyancy
Crankbaits with less buoyancy are better suited for water with minimal cover and clean bottoms while those with more buoyancy are better for fishing around cover.
Crankbaits can be a great lure option when targeting walleyes, bass or muskellunge (among other species). Consider trying one out during your next fishing trip!