Saginaw Bay walleye fishing along the southernmost part of the bay is slow because the fish are moving to deeper waters. Many boats are making the trip out to Buoys 1 & 2. Walleye are still being caught in Pinconning off Gambil’s Marina, the Pinconning and Saganing Bar and the Spark Plug (buoys 11 &12). Most are using crawler harnesses, crank baits or spoons. Along the east side, persistent anglers are still taking a few walleye from the Slot however most of the boats from Sebewaing and Bay Port are crossing the Bar and heading for deeper water on the west side.
Saginaw River: A few walleye are still being caught in the lower river but catch rates are slowing down. Shore anglers at Smith Park caught a few catfish, bass and freshwater drum.
Au Gres: Continues to have very good walleye fishing with most boats heading north of Big Charity Island, south to the inner bay and the north end of the shipping channel in 20 to 40 feet of water.
Au Gres River: Is producing quite a few catfish.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Port Austin: The best walleye fishing is still west and south of town around the Hat, the Flat Rock Reefs, and the Perch Reef north of the lighthouse.
Oscoda: Pier fishing for walleye has slowed but good numbers of smallmouth bass and freshwater drum were caught. Late night fishing is producing good numbers of catfish. Boat anglers caught walleye, salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. A good number of walleye were caught in 100 to 150 feet of water. As for salmon, fish were on the small side but the numbers were up.
Tawas: Pier fishing was slow except for a few smallmouth bass or rock bass. Walleye were caught in the early morning or evening when casting spoons. Those trolling in 20 to 40 feet were still catching walleye north of Big Charity Island and down near Alabaster. The occasional steelhead or brown trout was taken 15 feet down in 50 feet of water near Alabaster.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Fishing for bass is fun at night
With summer in full swing and temperatures frequently reaching their peaks, fish can become quite lethargic. No need to fret! For certain species, such as bass, you just might want to tweak the time of day you set out to target them.
Some of the best bass fishing this time of year occurs during the first hour or so after dark. Dusk and dawn can still produce fish but that first hour or two after dark can be exceptional.
After dark, bass tend to move shallow in search of an easy meal. Target them near the same areas you would during other times of the day while also casting and targeting the shallows. You’ll definitely want to also change your technique. Since after dark you can’t see the weed line or other underwater structures, fishing subsurface lures is not recommended. It is time for surface presentations. After the cast, work them aggressively with a jerking motion making sure they pop and gurgle across the surface of the water during your retrieve. Pay close attention during the retrieve, watching and listening for the strike which can be explosive.
If you’re feeling adventurous, get on the water at 10:00 p.m. and fish the shallows for bass until midnight or 1:00 a.m. The results can be spectacular!