Saginaw Bay Reported Windy conditions kept angler efforts on Saginaw Bay low. Those who were able to make it out caught walleye around the Sebewaing area in the slot in 14 to 16 feet of water on crawler harnesses. Deeper water out past the bar was reported to be slow. A few walleyes were caught around the Caseville area near Sand Point and Oak Point in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Lower Saginaw Bay:
A few walleyes were reported to have been caught south of the dumping grounds in 18 feet of water when trolling with crawlers. Freshwater drum and channel catfish were caught by shore anglers at Smith Park in Essexville.
Au Gres Area Anglers reported marking fish, but many were not able to get them to bite. There were a few groups able to bring some walleye home when trolling crawlers around the Charitie Island. Anglers catching their limits seemed to be few and far between the last few days.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda Area, The wind was a challenge this past week for offshore fishing; however, those who made it out did well. Anglers fishing in 90 to 120 feet of water using spoons and three-five-color lead core and/or downriggers targeting 20 to 30 feet down had success catching Atlantic salmon, coho salmon and pink salmon along with a good number of steelhead. Walleye fishing in the lower Au Sable River was reported to have been great. Anglers pulling crawler harnesses with 1-ounce bottom-bouncers or drifting whole crawlers with split shots had success catching walleye, with a few anglers taking their limit. Drifting slip bobbers set at 13 to 15 feet with a crawler also produced walleye for pier anglers. The catfish and freshwater drum were abundant in the lower river and were caught off the pier using a pyramid weight and crawlers.
Port Austin Walleye were caught to the west of the harbor toward Oak Beach in 30 to 35 feet of water when trolling with both artificial lures and crawler harnesses. A few walleyes were caught at night off the break wall when casting lures, weather permitting.
Fishing tip: Fishing with crankbaits
Many anglers love to fish with crankbaits (also known as plugs), a type of hard-bodied fishing lure. Here are some criteria to think about when selecting crankbaits.
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 walleye, bass or muskellunge (among other species). Consider trying one out during your next fishing trip!