Bay City Fishing Guides
Bay City fishing charters work Saginaw Bay’s weed edges, drop-offs, and nearshore flats for walleye, perch, and bass.
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Bay City, MI Fishing Guide
Bay City, Michigan sits at the base of Saginaw Bay, giving anglers quick access to one of the best walleye fisheries in the Great Lakes. Most charters here run half- and full-day trips, with a heavy focus on trolling crawler harnesses and crankbaits for walleye in spring and summer. Some captains also offer perch trips, smallmouth bass outings, and seasonal salmon runs when they push in close. The main launch points are the Bay City State Park ramp, Independence Bridge ramp, and Linwood Beach Marina just north of town. Depending on the bite, runs can be as short as a mile to hit nearshore weed lines, or 8–12 miles to reach deeper rock piles and open-water schools.
The fishery is a mix of sandy flats, scattered reefs, and river-fed waters that create ideal feeding grounds for gamefish. Spring fishing often centers around the Saginaw River mouth where post-spawn walleye stack up, while summer spreads the fish out across the bay’s deeper basins. Fall brings a strong perch bite, especially off Linwood and in the Slot. When the ice sets in, the bay becomes an ice fishing hotspot, with shanty towns forming over productive flats.
Common techniques include trolling with planer boards, jigging blade baits or spoons in spring, drifting live bait rigs, and vertical jigging in cooler months. Smallmouth bass anglers work drop-offs and rocky shorelines with tubes and crankbaits. While Saginaw Bay is the centerpiece, some charters will run toward the open waters of Lake Huron for salmon and steelhead when conditions allow. Local weather can shift quickly here, so captains keep a close eye on the wind before heading out.
Fishing Seasons in Bay City
Spring (March–May)
As ice clears, walleye move upriver to spawn, and many charters work the Saginaw River mouth with jig-and-minnow combos or blade baits. The post-spawn migration back into the bay offers great trolling action in 10–20 feet of water. Water temps are still cool, so slower trolling speeds and subtle presentations work best. Perch begin showing up in the shallows, and smallmouth bass become active along rocky shorelines toward late spring. Trips often run shorter distances this time of year since fish are close to the river mouth.
Summer (June–August)
By summer, walleye spread out into deeper parts of the bay. Charters run farther offshore, targeting 20–30 feet with crawler harnesses and crankbaits behind planer boards. The bite can be steady all day, especially early mornings and evenings. Perch fishing picks up in localized schools, requiring a mix of drifting and anchoring. Smallmouth bass action stays strong along reefs and submerged structure. Warm water can trigger fast trolling speeds, and calm days allow access to more distant reefs and open-water zones.
Fall (September–November)
Fall cools the water and concentrates walleye back toward the shallows. Perch fishing peaks, with many charters anchoring over schools in the Slot and near Linwood. Bass fishing remains solid on crankbaits and jerkbaits along rocky shorelines. Weather can be unpredictable, but when stable, trolling crankbaits at a slower pace produces quality walleye. Some salmon and steelhead move through the area, offering bonus catches for those targeting mixed species. Trip lengths vary from quick shoreline runs to longer offshore ventures depending on fish location.
Winter (December–February)
When Saginaw Bay freezes, ice fishing takes over. Walleye and perch are prime targets, with many anglers using jigging spoons, minnow-tipped jigs, and tip-ups. Charter operators with ice fishing services often provide heated shanties and transport by snowmobile or ATV to productive spots. The best action often comes early and late in the day. Ice thickness varies, so experienced guides ensure safe travel and location choices. This season offers a completely different experience compared to open-water fishing but is equally productive for filling the cooler.
Gamefish in Bay City
- Walleye – 15–28 inches. Found throughout the bay; best in spring near the river mouth and summer offshore trolling.
- Yellow Perch – 8–13 inches. Peak in fall over weedy flats and winter through the ice.
- Smallmouth Bass – 14–20 inches. Around rocky reefs and shorelines spring through fall.
- Steelhead – 20–30 inches. Occasional catches offshore in summer and fall.
- Chinook Salmon – 15–25 pounds. Rare but possible in late summer offshore runs.
- Northern Pike – 24–36 inches. Ambushes near weed edges, mostly spring and fall.
- White Bass – 12–16 inches. Found in large schools during spring and early summer.
Bay City Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Bay City?
Popular launches include Bay City State Park, the Independence Bridge ramp, and Linwood Beach Marina. These give quick access to prime Saginaw Bay waters.
How long are typical fishing charters in Bay City?
Most trips run 4–5 hours for half days and 8 hours for full days. Ice fishing packages vary but often last 6 hours.
Is fishing gear included with Bay City charters?
Yes, most captains provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Ice fishing guides often supply heated shanties and transportation as well.
Do I need a fishing license for Saginaw Bay?
Yes, all anglers 17 and older need a valid Michigan fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local bait shops.
When is the best time to fish Bay City for walleye?
Spring and early summer offer the heaviest concentrations nearshore, while mid-summer provides consistent action farther offshore.
What techniques work best in Saginaw Bay?
Trolling with crawler harnesses and crankbaits is the most common method. Jigging blade baits, drifting live bait, and casting for bass are also productive.
What species can I catch besides walleye?
Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, white bass, and occasional salmon and steelhead are all possible in the Bay City area.
Can charters accommodate large groups?
Yes, many boats can handle 4–6 anglers comfortably. Some operators arrange multiple boats for larger groups.
Do charters run in winter?
Yes, ice fishing trips are offered once the bay is safely frozen, with guides providing gear, shanties, and transport.