GRAND RIVER

Another river that carries the distinction of being a trout and salmon water is the Grand River. During peak times of the year, anglers can be found standing shoulder to shoulder along its banks attempting to catch one of these great fish.

But this river will also be home to schools of walleyes making their way from Lake Michigan in search of prime locations on which to deposit their eggs. After the spring opener, which is timed to fall shortly after the spawn takes place, anglers can enjoy some of western Michigan’s top spring walleye action.

A prime area of interest begins with the section of river where the Grand flows into Lake Michigan in Grand Haven and extends up to the Sixth Street Dam in Grand Rapids. Spring walleyes from the entire river system, including Lake Michigan and other connecting waters, make their way up the river to the area below the Sixth Street Dam to spawn.

Anglers can find post-spawn walleyes most anywhere in the upper half of the river. The vast majority, however, are taken in Grand Rapids directly below the dam or slightly downstream in deep holes or off large flats.

Angling techniques here are often dictated by the weather. After a heavy rain or high water conditions due to spring run-off, expect to find walleyes holding in flooded brush, back bays or areas out of the main river channel. For best success on these fish, try casting crankbaits with rattles to counter the dirty water conditions. Pitching jigs into brushy areas can also be effective. When water conditions are at normal levels, Grand River walleyes will stage in typical locations and can be taken by trolling or vertical jigging. With the majority of the river’s channel averaging 4 to 6 feet, shallow-running crankbaits or light jigs will be a must.

For fishing information, bait and tackle, call Jack’s Fish Farm at (616) 846-5844.

SAGINAW RIVER

Any mention of great walleye rivers wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Saginaw River. Each year, thousands of walleyes begin to make their way up the river, starting in the fall and staying until the spring spawn is over.

The river begins in Saginaw, where the Tittabawassee, Shiawassee and Cass rivers join. It flows north until it eventually reaches Saginaw Bay. A shipping channel, which seconds as a fish-holding magnet, averages 20 to 25 feet deep and is maintained for the numerous large ships that go up to the industrial sections of the river.

As the largest river to enter Saginaw Bay, the Saginaw River attracts the greatest number of walleyes into its waters throughout the fall and spring. This adds up to some great fishing potential for anglers who not only enjoy taking numbers of walleyes, but also are looking to put a trophy fish on the wall.

Water clarity will have an important role in the success rate here. The run-off from the surrounding farmlands during heavy rains can muddy up the river quickly and turn fish feeding activity off. When planning a long-distance trip to the Saginaw, it would be wise to call ahead and check conditions first.

Local anglers looking to get back on the water after a winter break often begin preparing for the late-April opener as though it was another national holiday. Jigs are painted, hooks are sharpened and boats are readied in anticipation of another year of great fishing.

Walleyes can be found throughout most of the river, but most anglers concentrate along the channel edges and deep holes. The area below the Zilwaukee Bridge also gets a thorough workout.

For fishing information, call Frank’s Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341 or Four Season Sports Center at (989) 867-8801.