Tawas Bay holds walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike in a system shaped by the Au Sable River and Lake Huron

Tawas Bay is a shallow, productive estuary where the Au Sable River meets Lake Huron's open water. The bay itself runs roughly 6 to 8 miles north to south and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, though much of the productive fishing happens in water shallower than 12 feet. The bottom is a mix of sand, silt, and scattered rock—typical of Michigan's thumb region—and the river's current creates distinct depth breaks and current seams that hold fish predictably.

The bay's character changes with the season. Spring brings spawning walleye and pike moving into the shallows and up the Au Sable. Summer turns the shallow flats into perch territory while walleye move to deeper structure or the river channel. Fall reverses the pattern as cooling water pushes fish back into the bay proper. Winter ice fishing on the bay's shallower sections is popular for perch and pike, though access depends on ice thickness and weather.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye spawn in the Au Sable River from mid-April through May and hold in the river channel and bay mouth through summer before moving to deeper structure in fall.
  • Yellow perch school on the bay's sand flats in 8 to 14 feet of water year-round and are most abundant in spring and fall.
  • Northern pike use shallow bays and weed edges in spring and fall but move to deeper water or the river channel during summer heat.
  • The Au Sable River mouth creates a current break that concentrates fish, especially during spring and fall transitions.
  • A Michigan fishing license and a Great Lakes endorsement are required; check the current regulations for slot limits and seasonal closures before you fish.

Spring: Walleye and Pike in Shallow Water and the River

Spring is the most predictable season on Tawas Bay. Walleye move into the Au Sable River to spawn starting in mid-April, and the river mouth becomes a funnel for fish moving between the bay and the spawning grounds. Fish the current break at the river mouth in 6 to 12 feet of water with live shiners, small crankbaits, or jigs tipped with minnows. The bite is strongest at dawn and dusk, and the peak window is usually two to three weeks after ice-out when water temperature reaches the low 40s.

Pike follow the same pattern. They move into shallow bays and the lower river to spawn in April and early May. Fish the edges of weed beds and shallow flats with larger baits—6- to 8-inch shiners or pike minnows—or with large spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Pike in spring are aggressive and less selective than walleye; they will hit a lure moving quickly through shallow water. The river channel itself holds pike staging before the spawn, and drifting live bait along the deeper edges (10 to 15 feet) often produces better numbers than casting shallow.

Perch are present in spring but scattered. They begin moving onto the flats as water warms into the 50s, but the bite is inconsistent until late May when schools tighten and feeding becomes more predictable.

Summer: Perch Flats and Deep Walleye Structure

By mid-June, the bay's character shifts. Walleye abandon the shallows and move to deeper structure—the river channel, the outer edges of the bay where depth drops to 18 to 25 feet, and any hard bottom or rock piles. Summer walleye fishing requires more precision. Fish the river channel with live bait on slip sinkers, keeping your offering near bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water. Jigging with soft plastics or live minnows works well on the deeper flats and structure, especially at dawn and dusk when walleye move shallower to feed.

Yellow perch own the shallow flats in summer. Schools of 8- to 11-inch fish hold in 8 to 14 feet of water on sand bottom, and they respond well to small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live shiners or small plastics. The bite is often fast and steady, and you can catch 20 to 40 fish in a morning if you locate a school. Perch are less active during the heat of midday; fish early and late or look for deeper flats (12 to 16 feet) during the afternoon.

Pike are less active in summer heat and tend to hold in deeper water or near the river mouth where current brings cooler, oxygenated water. They are catchable but require more patience and larger baits than spring offers.

Fall: Transition and Aggressive Feeding

Fall is the second-best season on Tawas Bay, second only to spring. As water cools in September and October, walleye move back into the bay proper and feed aggressively. The shallow flats (8 to 14 feet) and the river mouth become productive again. Fish live bait on slip sinkers, cast crankbaits, or jig soft plastics. The bite window extends through much of the day, and you can catch walleye from dawn until well after dark. Peak water temperature for fall walleye feeding is the low to mid-50s, which usually occurs in late September through mid-October.

Pike follow the same cooling-water pattern. They move back into shallow bays and weed edges and feed heavily before winter. Large spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and live bait all work. Pike in fall are less selective than in spring; they will hit a lure moving quickly through shallow water, and the bite can be explosive.

Yellow perch also feed heavily in fall as they prepare for winter. Schools tighten and move into slightly deeper water (12 to 18 feet) as the season progresses, but the bite remains consistent and often faster than spring. Jigs and small plastics continue to work, and you can catch large numbers of keeper-sized fish.

Winter: Ice Fishing on the Shallow Flats

Tawas Bay freezes reliably most winters, and the shallow flats become accessible to ice anglers. Yellow perch are the primary target; they hold in 8 to 14 feet of water and respond to small jigs tipped with live shiners or spikes. Pike are also present and can be caught on larger baits and jigging spoons. Walleye are less predictable under the ice; they tend to move to the deeper river channel and outer bay edges, making them harder to locate from shore.

Ice thickness varies year to year. Check local reports and talk to bait shops in East Tawas before heading out. Safe ice is typically 4 inches or more for walking, but conditions change rapidly, especially in late winter. The bay's shallow depth means ice-out can happen quickly once warming begins in March.

Tackle and Technique for Tawas Bay

Walleye respond to live bait (shiners, minnows) on slip sinkers, small jigs (1/8 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with minnows or soft plastics, and crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range. Cast or drift depending on depth and structure. In spring and fall, fish the shallows; in summer, focus on deeper structure and the river channel.

Pike require larger presentations. Live bait (6- to 8-inch shiners), large spinnerbaits, and crankbaits in the 4- to 6-inch range all work. Pike are less line-shy than walleye, so heavier tackle and brighter colors are effective. Fish the edges of weed beds, shallow bays, and current breaks.

Yellow perch are caught on small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live shiners, small plastics, or spikes. Perch schools can be fast-paced; use light tackle and keep moving until you locate a school. Once you find them, you can catch many fish in a short time.

Regulations and Licensing

Michigan requires a fishing license and a Great Lakes endorsement to fish Tawas Bay. Licenses are available online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops in East Tawas, or at most sporting goods stores. The Great Lakes endorsement is an add-on to your base license and is required for any fishing in Lake Huron.

Walleye, pike, and perch all have slot limits and seasonal restrictions that vary by year. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you fish; regulations change, and violations carry fines. The Au Sable River has additional restrictions during spawning season (typically April and May), and some sections are catch-and-release only. Local bait shops in East Tawas can provide the most current information and often know which regulations have changed since the guide was printed.

Where to Launch and Fish

Tawas Bay State Park offers a public boat launch on the bay's west shore, near East Tawas. The launch is well-maintained and has parking for trailers. From there, you can reach most of the productive water in 10 to 20 minutes. The river mouth is roughly 3 miles north; the deeper flats are 2 to 4 miles east.

Shore fishing is possible along the bay's edges, particularly near the river mouth and at Tawas Point State Park on the bay's eastern shore. Perch and walleye can be caught from shore in spring and fall, though boat access gives you more water to cover and better access to summer structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Tawas Bay?

Spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons. Walleye and pike move into shallow water and feed aggressively during both transitions. Summer is good for perch but requires more effort to find walleye. Winter ice fishing is popular for perch on years when ice is thick enough.

Do I need a boat to fish Tawas Bay?

A boat gives you access to more water and better structure, but shore fishing is possible, especially in spring and fall at the river mouth and around Tawas Point. Perch and walleye can be caught from shore, though boat anglers typically catch more fish and have more options.

What size fish can I keep in Tawas Bay?

Slot limits and minimum sizes vary by species and change year to year. Check the current Michigan fishing guide or ask at a local bait shop. Walleye, pike, and perch all have restrictions, and the Au Sable River has additional rules during spawning season.

Is the Au Sable River good for walleye?

Yes, especially during spawning season (April and May) and in fall. The river holds walleye year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent bite. Summer walleye are present but deeper and less active. The river mouth is often more productive than the river itself because it concentrates fish moving between the bay and spawning grounds.

Can I catch pike in summer on Tawas Bay?

Pike are present in summer but less active than in spring and fall. They move to deeper water or the river channel where current brings cooler water. Larger baits and more patience are required. Early morning and late evening offer the best chance of a bite.