By Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Eastern Saginaw Bay: With the warm-up and heavy rain toward the end of last week, ice conditions took a hit. There were numerous open areas from Sebewaing to Sand Point, and area rivers and cuts had opened up in spots or were completely open. Anglers were advised to use caution along the east side of the bay. The few who have been out ice fishing reported slow fishing, with only a handful of small yellow perch and panfish caught. A few northern pike had been speared out of Wildfowl Bay.
Saginaw River: There was no ice and many boat ramps were open, but no docks were in. There was a lot of ice working its way downstream from the confluence, so anglers were advised to use caution in the area. Fishing pressure on the Saginaw River has been nonexistent.
Tittabawassee River: A lot of ice working was working its way downstream in many areas, and fishing pressure has been nonexistent.
Lower Saginaw Bay: There was open water from Bay City State Park up to Whites Beach in Standish; no fishing to report.
Southwest Lower Peninsula
No reports.
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Tawas/Au Gres: With the recent warm weather, the Tawas River mouth had opened up. There were no docks in, and boaters were advised to watch for ice if heading out. Tawas Bay ice had stayed locked in fairly well; however, those fishing the reef reported slower fishing compared to the previous couple of weeks. A few anglers were able to find good numbers of decent-sized yellow perch while fishing the weed beds. A few anglers have tried the Au Gres River with reports of little success overall, though a few walleye and lake trout were reported. Warmer weather and rain made access to the bay from the Pine River and Palmer Road tough. Fishing in the area was slow, with mainly perch being caught.
Northwest Lower Peninsula
No reports.
Upper Peninsula
Little Bay de Noc: Anglers targeting perch reported fair to good fishing, with some reports of catch limits in the upper bay. Anglers were using spoons tipped with minnow heads and tungsten jigs baited with insects. Some anglers reported catching perch in the shallows; however, those fishing deeper water reported larger average fish sizes as well as higher numbers.
Anglers targeting walleye reported slow to fair fishing and very lethargic marks on sonar units throughout much of the week. Anglers attributed peak increases in walleye aggression to changes in atmospheric pressure. They used set lines, such as tip-ups or rattle reels, baited with sucker minnows or shiners, in combination with jigging rods. Anglers also reported catching walleye on jig heads baited with minnows, snap-jig-style baits, and spoons.
Ice conditions persisted during the week, remaining similar to those of the previous week. The combination of warm weather and high winds following a snowfall had made for excellent travel conditions.
Fishing tip: Attracting sluggish fish
When fish are acting sluggish, downsize your presentation and slow your cadence. Using smaller jigs or spoons with subtle movements can trigger bites from pressured or inactive fish, especially during changing weather or barometric conditions.
