To say the least, these waters can get a bit crowded during opening week. Despite this pressure, however, both the Saginaw and Tittabawassee hold their own when it comes to limit creels.

To get in on the largest fish, anglers will need to start their fishing efforts as soon as season opens. Once the spawn occurs, the large females will pause shortly for recovery, then make their way back into the big water of Lake Huron. This period doesn't last very long, but plenty of "eater-sized" walleyes make the fishing efforts well worthwhile.

To take advantage of this tremendous fishery, try drifting crawler harnesses along the bottom. Spinner color may vary, but those in red are always a good bet. On the Tittabawassee where the water is generally shallow, probe the deeper holes for your fish with jigs. These holes can be found around various bridge abutments and bends in the river. Some of the better areas include the run just above the State Street Bridge and the area known as the "golf course."

One of the best sections of the Saginaw River can be found where the Tittabawassee empties into it. Walleyes working their way out of the Tittabawassee often hold here in the deeper holes, providing anglers with constant action.

For fishing reports, bait and tackle, contact Frank's Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341 or check them out on the Web at www.franksgreatoutdoors.com.

"The St. Joe can be a rather good walleye fishery," said Tom Bennett of Benton Harbor. "During the last two seasons, however, it's suffered a bit in the same way other walleye fisheries have. Unrelenting spring weather has somewhat hurt the year-class."

Despite the unfavorable news, Bennett claims that his fishing hasn't been hurt too much.

"Actually, I did quite well last year," Bennett remarked. "You have to be a little persistent and hang with it during the slow times, but hey, that's fishing!"

According to Bennett, some of the better fishing takes place below Mercy Hospital, along Berrien Hills Golf Course. In addition, anglers want to hit the area out from Eagle Point Marina and along the stretch of the river directly upstream from the Benton Township Launch Ramp.

Most of Bennett's walleyes come by drifting crawlers that are simply hooked in the middle and weighted with a split shot. When the water appears to be cloudy, consider adding a bright bead ahead of the bait. Cast upstream and allow the offering to drift with the current on a taunt line. Bites will be light and often resemble a hang between rocks. A gentle pull will be the best way to distinguish rocks from non-aggressive fish.

Access can be obtained from the Benton Township Launch off exit 28 on Interstate 94.

Because its shallow waters wind through miles of agricultural farmlands, weather will have a significant impact on the fishery here. Runoff due to heavy rains dirty the water quickly and often shuts down the fishing action. When the river is high due to this spring runoff, the walleyes can be expected to move out of the main river current and hold in flooded brush and various logjams. When this occurs, tactics similar to those used by the bass crowd should be considered. Try pitching jigs tipped with crawlers into the brush and retrieving them in a twitching motion. One particular problem with this method is the number of panfish that make short work of the crawler. When this happens, consider going to scent-laden plastics.

Under normal water conditions, Grand River walleyes will hold in some of the more typical river locations and are susceptible to the standard angling tactics. A favorite of mine here involves simply drifting a crawler that's weighted by a split shot through various prime areas. While this technique will take a good number of walleyes, be prepared to do battle with more than a few of the Grand's large catfish as well.

Another method that works great here involves the use of a light jig tipped with a crawler and held off bottom with a bobber. Drift the offering such that it skims just inches above the bottom and across the rocks. The technique certainly isn't rocket science, but the walleyes sure love it.

When targeting walleyes on the Grand River, trolling can definitely be a winner. By long-lining shallow minnow-shaped lures such as Rapala's floating lures or Storm stick baits, anglers can cover a lot of area in a short time. This technique will often find fish that can then be worked at a much slower pace.

Popular locations for walleyes on the Grand include the hole just downstream from the U.S. Highway 131 Bridge in Grand Rapids, just upstream from the Eastmanville Bridge, the area known as the gravel pits and the area referred to as "the willows."

From opening day through the month of May, look for the walleyes to be holding in one of the many deep runs or holes created by bends in the river. In some areas, such as the upper stretch from Maple Island upstream to Croton, the river tends to be fairly shallow. Anchoring and casting tactics will work much better in this fast-water section than does the traditional walleye methods of trolling and jigging. The most productive crankbaits used here successfully are those that are among the various shad-style baits. Cast the lure upstream above a hole and work it slowly down and through the depression. While working the lure, watch the line carefully for a twitch or jerk to the side indicating a strike.

Three-way rigs, not unlike the ones used when drifting spawn for steelhead or salmon, are the best bet for working baits through these holes. Adjust the weight on the dropper until the bait bounces along the bottom with the current. Crawlers are the best bait for this type of fishing, and should be threaded onto a No. 2 Aberdeen hook.

The lower river, from Maple Island downstream to Muskegon Lake, is lined with downed trees and a number of logjams. Despite these obstacles, there are still areas where anglers can target walleyes by vertical jigging and other typical walleye techniques. Regardless of your angling preference, expect good things when working this area.

Some of the best spots will include the areas known as "the walleye ponds" located at the end of Holton Duck Lake Road, the stretch just downstream from the access at the end of Milliron Road in Muskegon Township and the North Branch of the Muskegon River from U.S. Highway 131 downstream to Muskegon Lake.

Now that you have a craving for spring walleye fishing, go out and get your fix!