Saginaw Bay had windy conditions have made fishing a challenge. Walleye action off Quanicassee was slow with only a couple fish caught towards Sunset Marina in 13 to 17 feet. Fish were taken on both artificial baits and a crawler harness. Sebewaing to Caseville had no reports because of windy conditions.
Saginaw River Yellow perch were caught at the mouth of the Bay Aggregate Cut. The walleye opener was very slow as boat anglers caught lots of sub-legal fish and no keepers.
Tittabawassee River Catch rates for walleye were down. Anglers reported water levels that were down at least 2 feet from years past. Those fishing from the Caldwell launch downstream struggled with the low water, logs and other obstructions. Some smaller males were caught from the south end of Freeland to M-46 when using a jig and twister tail tipped with live minnows or crawlers. Purple and white were good colors. A few fish were also taken by those trolling green and white flicker shads.
Outer Saginaw Bay
Oscoda A couple Atlantic salmon and steelhead were caught at the end of the pier when casting spoons and body baits or still-fishing with minnows.
Au Sable River walleye opener was slow with only a few fish caught when drifting crawlers. There were reports of some steelhead caught upstream to Foote Dam when drifting spawn or casting lures.
Port Austin Boat anglers were trolling body baits. Those long lining with spoons caught walleye, lake trout and coho.
Tawas Area action was slow for boat anglers with only a couple lake trout caught out near Tawas Point when using spoons in 25 to 35 feet. Pier anglers caught a couple Atlantic salmon, brown trout, pike,and walleye when casting body baits or using a jig and minnow.
Tawas River Catch rates for walleye were slow down to Gateway Park. Some small perch were caught with minnows.
Fishing Tip:
When fishing for trout in small streams that allow live bait, try casting spinners or small crankbaits upstream while working your way up the stream. Then, on your way back down, use live bait such as leaf worms or wax worms that you can drift downstream and drop back into structure and holes that would have been unfishable while working up. Find more information and tips on the trout page on MDNR website.