Saginaw Bay walleye fishing was on the slow side and perch fishing is slowly getting started. A few walleye were taken in six to 10 feet off the state park, the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, or out near the Black Hole in 14 feet. Anglers were drifting crawler harnesses above the weeds. Walleye were caught from the Slot and off the Bar but the average was one fish per angler. Catfish were caught from the Hot Pond.
Saginaw River: Smallmouth bass have been caught near Essexville.
Au Gres: A few walleye are still being caught straight out from the mouth of the river or six to eight miles south in 26 to 30 feet of water. Those targeting perch found a few in 30 to 40 feet four to eight miles to the south.
Au Gres River: Is producing a few catfish and freshwater drum.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda: Fish are on the move so finding them can be difficult. Walleye are deep and were caught with the trout and salmon. Pier anglers caught a few salmon with glow spoons in the early morning or evening.
- Au Sable River: Fishing below Mio has been very good and the white fly hatch should continue through the Labor Day weekend. Water temperatures have been fairly cool below Mio which means the fish have been active and healthy. Catfish are moving in and out of the river.
Port Austin: Those trolling have caught steelhead, salmon and lake trout along the outside of the Thumb however recent winds have turned the lake over so finding the right temperatures means a trip out to at least 140 feet.
Tawas: Boat and pier fishing in the bay are slow. A few walleye were taken off Alabaster, Au Sable Point and Jerry’s Marina but anglers need to fish deeper water. One angler targeting walleye actually caught a 15 pound Chinook in 80 feet of water when trolling a crawler harness.
Weekly Fishing Tip: Glow lures are popular with Great Lakes salmon
Salmon fishing on the Great Lakes is really hitting its stride as many species are getting ready to begin their upstream migration. At the moment Lake Michigan is particularly popular for Chinook salmon with anglers trying various techniques to land this prized sportfish.
One tactic that can be particularly useful when targeting Chinooks is fishing with glow lures. This species can often be caught near the surface in low-light conditions and glow lures make that opportunity even more appealing.
In particular, glow lures work well in the early morning hours before the sun comes up or at night. Many believe this type of lure attracts salmon because it can be seen in the dark from longer distances and encourages them to strike.