Full Day Walleye Trip – Linwood (8hrs)
If you're serious about walleye fishing on Saginaw Bay, this 8-hour trip with Captain Jay is exactly what you need. We're talking about some of the best walleye waters in Michigan, and this full-day charter gives you the time to really dial in on these fish. Starting at 7:00 AM from Linwood, you'll have the entire day to work the productive zones where walleye love to hang out. This isn't just a walleye trip though – Saginaw Bay is loaded with Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Catfish, and White Bass, so your cooler could be packed with a mixed bag by day's end.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Jay runs a top-rated 26-foot Trophy walkaround that's perfect for up to three anglers. With a 250HP Mercury pushing us around, we can cover serious water and get to the fish fast. The boat comes fully rigged with premium rods, reels, tackle, and live bait – everything you need for a successful day. You'll be fishing from May 1st through October 31st, which covers the prime walleye season when these fish are most active and feeding heavy. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fish comfortably, and the walkaround design means we can work different techniques without getting in each other's way. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and a valid Michigan fishing license, and we'll handle the rest.
Trolling & Bottom Techniques
We'll be running three main techniques depending on what the fish want that day. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and locating active walleye schools. Captain Jay knows exactly which depths and structures to target, and we'll adjust our speed and lure selection based on water temperature and fish behavior. When we mark fish on the electronics, we'll often switch to jigging or bottom fishing to really work those spots hard. The live bait rig is deadly when walleye are being finicky, especially during those mid-day periods when they get a little sluggish. We're constantly reading the water and adapting – that's what separates a good day from a great day on Saginaw Bay.
Target Species
Walleye are the stars of this show, and Saginaw Bay produces some beautiful fish. These guys typically run 14-20 inches with plenty of keepers in the 2-4 pound range. Early morning and evening are prime time, but don't count them out during midday – they're often just deeper or relating to different structure. What makes walleye so popular is they're fantastic table fare and put up a solid fight without being too crazy. They have this subtle head-shake that experienced anglers love, and when you get into a school, the action can be non-stop.
Northern Pike add serious excitement to any trip. These toothy predators ambush baitfish around weed edges and drop-offs, and when they hit your lure, you know it. Pike in Saginaw Bay commonly reach 24-30 inches, with bigger fish always possible. They're aggressive feeders throughout the season and will absolutely hammer trolled spoons or live bait rigs. The fight is explosive – lots of head shaking and runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're a blast for kids and newer anglers who want some arm-burning action.
Yellow Perch might be smaller, but they make up for size with numbers and taste. These schooling fish are perfect when you want to keep the rods busy and fill the cooler. Perch fishing is often fast-paced, especially when we locate a good school. They're excellent for teaching kids proper fish handling and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the lake. We'll typically find them in 15-25 feet of water, often mixed in with the walleye.
White Perch and White Bass are bonus fish that add variety to your day. Both species travel in schools and can provide fast action when we stumble across them. White Bass especially are known for their scrappy fights relative to their size. Catfish round out the mix and are most active during warmer months. They're strong fighters and another excellent table fish that many anglers specifically target.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day walleye charter is a customer favorite for good reason. Eight hours gives you the best shot at consistent action, and Captain Jay's local knowledge of Saginaw Bay's productive waters makes all the difference. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to put some quality fish in the boat or newer to the sport and want to learn proper techniques, this trip delivers. The season runs from May through October, covering prime fishing months when multiple species are active. With all gear and bait included, plus a boat that's built for comfort and fishing efficiency, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. Book your spot now and get ready for a world-class day of fishing on one of Michigan's most renowned walleye waters.