Saginaw River Walleyes - Spring Timing?

[nymph]

I have been talking to a couple of buddies of mine and we have decided that this year we are finally going to try the Saginaw during the spring run of eyes. With that said, what time frame should we be looking at going? Somewhere late April or early May? I have never fished this river, so I really have no idea on timing. Also, do you have any launch suggestions? Thanks in advance for any info.



nymph

[walleye express]

Nymph.

First of all, it would have to be late April/earlyMay as the season don't open back up until April 30th this year. That unfortunetly being the last Saturday in April.

Weather and river conditions are the next variables that will keep or shed the majority of hold over walleyes in the system. I say hold-over because historically, virtually all of the spawning females will have done their thing and vamoosed back to the bay by then. The longer the water stays high and cool, the longer the hold-over males will stay in the system.

The launches you can use are the Center Street launch on the Tittabawassee or the Lee Street launch on the Saginaw. Even in low water, working the Center Street lunch site downriver to the Saginaw can be productive. Going upriver from there, can be dangerous though, if you don't know the river. My advise, always be extra careful on the Tittabawassee.

The Lee street ramp is right off M-46 on the Saginaw itself, and is alwyas safe enough depth wise. Believe it or not in general, we catch walleyes right up till early June on the Saginaw. Virtical jigging with minnows or trolling #5 shad raps takes most of the early fish, whereas night casting #13 rapalas take later fish for us in Bay City nearer the mouth. Good luck, and don't go on opening weekend, unless you liked going to the circus when you were a kid. And if you have a CCl, leave your piece at home or in the vehicle. Yup, it can get that bad. :rant: :SHOCKED: :lol:

[chamookman]

Does that mean I have to leave the Ruger Home :mad: ?????? nymph - Dan is right on about the weather/water conditions. If You are after BIG fish, trolling the lrg. crankbaits around the mouth of the River would be an option (nite-bite). Those post-spawn Females go on the feed bag when they hit the lake. But if numbers are Your game, or a confirmed River-Rat like Me, the Tibb. or Saginaw is where it's at. You'll recognize Me, I'll be the White Pro-V with the RPG mounted on the bow :p ! Bob.

[robin]

It was great a few years ago when the river was full of walleye and the ice was gone in February. The river was packed with boats. I was talking with a guy that told me his buddies were on the river a couple of weeks ago and picked up 80 walleye with only 1 keeper in the bunch. I know that number probably needs to be divided by 4 realisticly, but that's still promising. I am actually thinking of keeping my boat on the bay this summer to go after them. If anyone knows any marinas that I should look at, pm me. Cost is definitely a factor for me. I've got a 24' Thompson. Thanks.

[walleye express]

Robin.

If cost is truly a factor, you might want to look at Lindy's landing in Quanicassee. Nice people, good/clean/safe marina and great/fast mechanical service if needed.