Half Day Walleye Jigging – Saginaw River (6hrs)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour private charter targeting walleye, white bass, and catfishSeptember through March availability with morning or afternoon departuresLight tackle jigging methods designed for productive river conditions
The Saginaw River isn't just another fishing spot—it's a walleye factory that keeps local anglers coming back season after season. This 6-hour private charter with The Fish Fly Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Michigan's most productive walleye waters. From September 15 through March 25, when the water cools and these fish get aggressive, you'll experience what makes this river system so special. With morning and afternoon slots available and a flexible 8:00 AM departure, this top-rated trip accommodates up to 3 anglers who want to fish smart, not just hard.
You're looking at a solid 6 hours of focused fishing in waters that have been producing walleye, white bass, and catfish for decades. The Saginaw River system offers the perfect setup for a productive day—current breaks, depth changes, and structure that holds fish throughout the cooler months. Your guide knows every productive spot along this stretch, from the shallow flats where white bass school up to the deeper holes where trophy walleye lurk. This isn't a crowded party boat situation either. With just your group and an experienced captain, you'll hit the spots that bigger operations can't access. The personalized approach means more time with lines in the water and less time wondering if you're in the right place. All your gear and bait come included, so you just need to bring your Michigan fishing license, some snacks, and whatever drinks keep you comfortable during a Michigan fall or winter day.
The Saginaw River calls for finesse, and that's where light tackle jigging really shines. You'll be working with rods that let you feel every tap and nibble—crucial when walleye are being picky about their presentation. The jigging technique here involves working your bait vertically through the water column, bouncing it off the bottom where these fish are feeding. Your guide will set you up with the right weight jigs for the current conditions and show you the rhythm that gets results. River fishing is all about reading the water and understanding how current affects your presentation. Unlike lake fishing where you might troll for hours, this style keeps you actively engaged. You're constantly adjusting your technique based on what the fish are telling you. The light tackle setup also means when you do hook into a nice walleye or feisty white bass, you'll feel every head shake and run. It's the difference between just catching fish and really experiencing the fight.
Walleye are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 2-4 pounds in the Saginaw system, with plenty of fish pushing 6-8 pounds for those who know where to look. Fall and winter walleye fishing is when these fish really turn on—they're feeding heavily to prepare for the spawn, and they're less spooky than during the summer months. What makes walleye so exciting isn't just their size, but their fight and how they test your technique. They're not going to slam your jig like a bass might. Instead, you'll feel that classic walleye "thump-thump" as they mouth the bait, and setting the hook at the right moment is pure angling skill. The meat is fantastic too—firm, white fillets that are tough to beat on the dinner table.
White bass might be the sleeper hit of this trip. When you find a school, it's game on. These scrappy fish travel in groups and compete with each other to hit your jig first. They'll bend your light tackle rod and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Most white bass in the Saginaw run 1-2 pounds, but they make up for size with attitude. They're also excellent eating—similar to their striped bass cousins but with a milder flavor that's perfect for fish fries. The best part about white bass is once you locate a school, you can often catch them one after another until your arm gets tired.
The Saginaw River's fall and winter walleye bite is something every Michigan angler should experience at least once, but most end up booking this trip year after year. The combination of productive waters, expert guiding, and the chance to target multiple species in a single outing makes this a customer favorite for good reason. You're not just paying for boat access—you're investing in local knowledge that takes years to develop on your own. The seasonal window from September through March means you're fishing when these species are most active and cooperative. Whether you're a regular river rat or someone who usually sticks to the big lakes, this world-class fishery will change how you think about Michigan's inland waters. The 6-hour format gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of river fishing without feeling rushed. Book your spot early, especially for those prime fall dates when the leaves are changing and the walleye are biting best.
This 18-foot Spectrum aluminum fishing skiff is your ticket to productive walleye waters on the Saginaw River. Built tough in 1995, this shallow-water specialist handles river conditions like a champ while comfortably fishing up to 3 anglers. The 115HP Mercury gets you to the hot spots fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to cover water or beat other boats to prime jigging areas. The aluminum hull cuts through river currents and navigates skinny water where big walleye like to hang out. GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder shows what's swimming below - essential for locating schools of walleye, white bass, and catfish in the river's changing structure. Perfect for light tackle jigging techniques that work best in these waters, especially during the cooler months when fish are biting. This reliable workhorse has plenty of fishing room and handles the Saginaw's conditions with ease.
Sander VitreusWalleye are what bring most folks back to the Saginaw River trip after trip. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes are built for low-light feeding, making our early morning and late afternoon trips perfect timing. Most walleye we catch run 14-18 inches, though the river holds some real trophies pushing 25+ inches. They love hanging around drop-offs and current breaks during the day, then move shallow to feed. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active in cooler water. What makes walleye special is they're arguably the best eating freshwater fish - mild, flaky, and sweet. Plus they fight smart, not just hard. Pro tip: keep your jig moving slowly along bottom structure. Walleye often hit on the pause, so when you feel that subtle tick, set the hook firmly but don't horse them up.
Ameiurus CatusWhite catfish are the river's hidden gems that most anglers overlook, but they're some of the tastiest fish swimming in the Saginaw. These smaller cousins of channel cats typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 8-10 pounders that'll surprise you. They're bottom feeders that love muddy areas and slower current pockets, especially around structure like fallen trees or rock piles. Unlike other catfish, white cats will bite during daylight hours, making them perfect for our morning trips. What guests love is how they fight - steady, determined pulls that keep your rod bent. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. The key is using smelly baits like chicken liver or cut shad, and don't be afraid to let your bait sit still on bottom. These fish taste with their whiskers, so give them time to find your offering.
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