Saginaw Slump?

[eyeskater]

Hi All,

I've noticed that reports and info from Saginaw Bay / River have dwindled to about nothing the past 2 weeks. I'm assuming that the heavy snow cover is hindering travel out there, especially for the average joe. This along with the apparent lack of active biting fish, has slowed things to a crawl. I'm really puzzled though: March is here and those fish have to be ready to go on a major bite very soon. Some lucky guy is going to sit down 'right' and pound daylights out of them very soon, if that's not happening already. There is a lot of ice out there and it is still tight. That, along with the heavy snow cover, should mean a prolonged ice fishing season, possibly until the end of the month. Too soon to give up now....and I'm interested to know what other people think is going on.

'Eye-Skater

[mkroulik]

Less than 2 weeks left in the River season, and it's gonna be mighty hard to fish up until the end of the season. Alteast in Saginaw, the River is starting to ice back up, which is very bad news for fishing. It's doubtful it will ever have good enough ice to fish again this year, and the ice that does form makes it very difficult for boats or shore fisherman. I think the Bay near the river mouths should be starting to get some active fish. If I had a snowmobile, that would be my area to target.

Mike

[Molson]

Hi All,

I've noticed that reports and info from Saginaw Bay / River have dwindled to about nothing the past 2 weeks. I'm assuming that the heavy snow cover is hindering travel out there, especially for the average joe. This along with the apparent lack of active biting fish, has slowed things to a crawl. I'm really puzzled though: March is here and those fish have to be ready to go on a major bite very soon. Some lucky guy is going to sit down 'right' and pound daylights out of them very soon, if that's not happening already. There is a lot of ice out there and it is still tight. That, along with the heavy snow cover, should mean a prolonged ice fishing season, possibly until the end of the month. Too soon to give up now....and I'm interested to know what other people think is going on.

'Eye-Skater



you just gotta find 'em. keep an open mind regarding "where to fish"

[tommy-n]

On big bodies of water, someone is always catching fish somewhere.

[jamieking989]

i haven't been out as much as i'd like but in the last 3 weeks i've been out 7 times. with at least 2-3 fish every time, skunked once but had fish on and lost them. it was hot out from whites beach 3 weeks ago then it turned on out from cody esty rd. gotta move around. we've been about 5 miles out, 15 ft of water, and using flyers. hope it stays tight for a while. also i've heard of people getting limits out 2-3 miles from pinconning. good luck.

jamie

[frozenbeer]

You won't hear me complaining about the fishing on the Saginaw Bay. We've done a lot better this year than last. Got skunked once or twice but had chances each time. Just about every day we get out there's something to clean, even if it's just one fish a piece. On the same note though, I haven't had a limit day yet. The smallest fish I caught was 17". That same day I caught a 10-1/2 pound 31" hog.

[theangler]

This year is definitely better than last, I myself have only been skunked two or three times this year, and have been out A LOT. Seems like you are atleast gonna catch one or two fish at a pop.

[Santiago]

Just wondering if anyone is fishing the river yet, from boats, that is. I haven't heard much. If not, and if we get a melt by next weekend, fishing could be tough as the water rises, muddies and moves fish out of typical wintering areas. Any thoughts? Is Rust still iced in?

[CHUCK n BUCK]

Its not gonna warm up next week I dont think. It's calling for cold weather right thru next week.

[eyeskater]

From a recent conversation I have learned this much:

It's tough going on the bay, with heavy snow cover. 2WD quads MUST stay on established roads/trails out there. 4WD is definitely better, but can still get stuck. Snowmobiles can go, but I understand that pulling a rig behind a snowmobile (in the thick snow) can be hard on engines and transmissions. In seperate incidents, I heard that a new snowmobile and a 4WD quad were damaged (read that "blown-up") by hard running in the heavy snow. Take care of your toys!

Fishing is fair most places, however those with cameras are reporting seeing a number of fish that won't hit. For most guys it's a onesy-twosy story. The general impression is that the fish are there, but are relatively inactive up till now. My past notes say that next week is historically when the fish turn back on and limits appear. I know it's inevitable: the fish will get going and there will be some great fishing in the next 2 weeks.

A tip: Try the Swedish Pimple in "Black Ice" or "Silver Ice" in size 4 or 5.

'Eye-Skater

[Chuck1]

We were out last night. Landed 5 keepers including a 9-10 lb hog. I released her though. Plus a couple sub-legals,and a few more good bumps that were missed. I don't know about the cameras ,but on the vex's we have had many sniffers that don't bite. When they do turn on hold on boy's.

[BlackRhino]

Chuck, how were the cracks and the travel? Thx

[Chuck1]

Cracks were pretty tight but they are live. Travel for me on a snowmobile was prett good. Some ofthem drifts will get you airborne ,if you know what I mean. Quads will have a very tough time off of the main trails.

[Chuck1]

Here is the latest ice shothttp://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/data/2005/jpg/t1.05063.1608.LakeHuron.143.250m.jpg

[BOXCALL]

eyeskater - were you ever able to post pictures of your Shiver winner? If so I missed them, so please tell me where I can find them? Also, does anyone know if an Argo with the Super Tracks would handle the current snow conditions on the Bay? Seems like it would...?

BOXCALL

[eyeskater]

Hi Boxcall,

No, I did not post a picture here. The pictures are color prints, and I currently cannot scan them into my system. I heard that one of the Michigan sporting publications (which?) has the picture on its cover right now. Can't confirm that however. Thanks, and good to hear from you!

Kevin