Saginaw Bay walleye fishing is slow all over (try spoons), and the perch have not really started yet. A few walleye were caught off Gambill’s Marina near Pinconning and off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River in 14 feet or west of Buoys 1 & 2 in 25 feet. A couple perch were taken near the Red Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12) but no big numbers yet. Perch fishing will improve as the cooler weather moves in. Walleye anglers on the east side had a slow week. Those trolling off Quanicassee, Sebewaing and Bay Port were lucky to get one fish per angler.
Shiawassee River: Is producing the occasional walleye at the Corunna Dam and the spillway off Main Street in Owosso. Panfish and smallmouth bass were also caught. Most are using shiners or crawlers. Catfish numbers were down however the fish were bigger.
Au Gres: Walleye fishing slowed a great deal for the average fishermen but good catches of walleye were being taken on spoons (mini streaks) and those trolling did pick up the occasional 10 or 11 inch perch.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: A few salmon were showing up around the pier. Those fishing late night with glow spoons did catch a couple fish.
- Au Sable River: A few walleye were caught but no big numbers. The water is too warm for trout and salmon.
Grindstone City: Was slow with only a couple walleye caught.
Port Austin: Boat anglers trolling around the lighthouse caught smallmouth bass in 12 to 15 feet. Those heading out to waters 160 to 190 feet deep caught Chinook, lake trout and even walleye. The thermocline started about 110 feet down. Lake trout were within 10 feet of the bottom.
Tawas: Walleye anglers trolling out around Tawas Point and north to Au Sable Point found success in 50 to 80 feet. Fish were also caught in 20 to 50 feet off Alabaster and in 20 to 25 feet along the weed beds off Jerry’s Marina. Pier anglers caught walleye, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass and small perch.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Buying minnows for your next fishing trip
Minnows are a popular bait option for many anglers, but do you know the difference between the various species? Understanding these differences can help you excel during your next fishing adventure!
Fathead
These minnows are usually one to three inches long and are available all year long. In particular, fatheads are great for targeting yellow perch in the fall and are considered excellent walleye bait as well.
Golden Shiner
These minnows are usually around three inches long and are effective during winter, spring and fall months. Many anglers use these minnows for targeting walleye.
Spottail Shiner
These minnows are usually between two and a half and three inches long and have a limited availability, usually during the spring. These minnows are great when walleye fishing.
Sucker Minnow
These minnows are usually between three to four inches, but they can grow to nearly a foot long. They’re available at all times during the year and are considered a top bait choice for northern pike in the summer.
Please note Michigan has several bait restrictions in place to prevent the spread of fish diseases. Information about these restrictions and regulations can be found in the 2013 Michigan Fishing Guide.