Hey, everybody.
After talking to a few of my buddies who deer hunt, I'm glad I gave it up 4 years ago to spend more time on the rivers fishing. And I've confirmed and reinforced that change in strategy in spades this year, with the success I'm having on the rivers during this time. Like I mentioned in other reports, I believe it's the combination of good numbers of natural fish and the surprising abundance of baitfish in the rivers this year. I'd even go so far as to compare the numbers of both to the late 80's/early 90's, with the only difference being the size of the average walleyes being caught. But if action is what you crave most and filling the freezer secondary, the Saginaw is the place to be when the conditions are right.
That is not to say catching a limit of decent fish is not possible, but as I mentioned before, a 10 to 1 ratio of keepers to throw backs has been the norm. This was very evident on opening day of deer season, when me and 2 buds caught over 70 walleyes on the Saginaw with only 5 being keepers. But the "Fun Factor" was off the charts.
I've also been fishing the Tittabawassee River with clients a few times in the past 10 days, and catching nicer fish on the average. They've been harder to locate and pattern with the recent rains, the unpredictable fluctuating water table, and because the Sanford Dam is running at an un-scheduled pace. But armed with 20 years of knowledge of every hiding spot on the river, I've managed some decent catches. In years past fishing on the first ice by Thanksgiving hasn't been out of the question, but the long term weather trends are not pointing to that scenario this year as of yet.
So my boat will stay un-wrapped and wet with river water until this happens, if it even does. As always, I'm posting a few of the recent pictures I've taken from my trips. When your done in the woods, I suggest you look to the waters for that wall hanger. But wherever you are, be safe, fish/hunt smart and tight lines. Capt. Dan.
