The first week of August was pretty much a bust after a three-day Nor’easter scattered walleye all over the bay. But by Friday of last week, the fishing started to improve, each day better than the one before. Yesterday and today three-man limits of 24 walleye were pretty common with a lot of nice fish in the 20-inch class in the mix.
While reports from the islands on the east side of the bay have been mixed, westside anglers are having excellent fishing, especially in the deeper water (31-33 feet). Crawler harnesses are still the main tactic. A lot of fish are suspended right now, and a trolling speed of 1.3-1.6 mph has been very productive. The best fishing has been south of Point Augres down towards Buoy One at the mouth of the Saginaw River.
Anglers trolling crank baits have also been doing well, and Flicker Shad and Flicker Minnows seem to be local anglers’ preferences. However, it’s still hard to beat Storm’s Rattle Tots.
Perch fishing reports are still sketchy, but from now into the end of August is when it generally starts to get pretty good. Last year the end of the month proved exceptional in the 14-17 foot depths between Standish and Pinconning.
Another fishery to keep an eye on is the deep water (50-60 feet) walleye and steelhead fishery in the northern waters of Saginaw Bay all the way to Tawas. The walleye will be big (three pounds is “small”) and the steelhead will average six pounds or better. Crank baits and lead core lines are the preferred tactics.
Saginaw Bay is providing a lot of fishing excitement right now; so don’t forget to take the kids fishing before school starts!
Capt. Terry R. Walsh
TerMar Charters
captwalsh@gmail.com
989-450-5365 (cell phone)