Saginaw Bay a decent number of yellow perch were caught in front of Eagle Bay Marina and south towards the Saganing and Pinconning Bars in 17 to 18 feet. Walleye fishing is slowing down, but a few fish were still being caught out near Buoys 1 & 2 in 25 to 30 feet with crawlers. Catch rates for yellow perch were starting to pick up a little near Buoys A, B and F as well as along the Pinconning Bar and the old shipping channel with worms and minnows. Along the east side, anglers had a hard time finding walleye, but a couple were caught between Quanicassee and Fish Point. Please note: the DNR boat launch at Quanicassee will be closed the week of August 26-29 so the large willow tree next to the boat ramp can be removed. From Sebewaing, Bay Port and Caseville, anglers had to work hard to find active walleye and most only caught one or two fish. From Caseville, anglers heading to the Charity Islands or fishing off Oak Point found a couple fish. Not much perch activity to report as more anglers were asking about them than fishing for them.
- Saginaw River walleye were caught in the lower river when trolling crawlers. Shore anglers at Smith Park caught the usual channel cat or freshwater drum.
Au Gres Area #walleyefishing slowed here as well as the Pine River and Eagle Bay Marina area. A few along with the incidental perch were taken in 20 to 30 feet or more on crawlers or body baits. Largemouth bass were caught off the breakwall when casting various lures.
- Au Gres River a few small perch and some catfish were caught off the docks at the boat access site when using crawlers.
Outer Saginaw Bay:
Oscoda Atlantic salmon, coho, steelhead and lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons, meat rigs and flies 85 to 120 feet down in 160 to 190 feet around the “Hump.” Pier anglers caught channel cats, smallmouth bass, rock bass and the occasional crappie when floating or drifting crawlers and minnows.
- Au Sable River anglers caught a few channel cats, smallmouth bass, rock bass and freshwater drum on crawlers. Pike were caught by those casting spinners or crank baits. Those casting poppers and streamers caught the odd largemouth bass, smallmouth and rock bass.
Tawas Area walleye were caught off Tawas Pt. in 80 to 90 feet when trolling spoons, body baits or crawlers. The fish are suspended at various depths. Rumors of Chinook salmon and steelhead being caught as well. Pier anglers caught small perch, rock bass and even a few walleye in the evening.
- Tawas River fishing was slow with only a few small perch, some rock bass and the occasional catfish taken on crawlers.
Fishing Tip: Time to target panfish – here’s how!
Summer is a great time to target panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish) – in fact, all year is a great time to target them!
This species is an especially good target for beginning anglers, if you know how to choose the right equipment. Check out DNR video below that provides an explanation of the simple tackle you’ll need to catch lots of panfish in Michigan!