Northern Pike

If you're looking for toothy critters in Michigan, Bay City offers some excellent Northern Pike fishing opportunities. The Saginaw River, with its access to Saginaw Bay, is a prime location. Pike here are ambush predators, so focus on areas with weed beds, fallen timber, and sharp drop-offs, especially where the river meets the bay. Spring and fall are peak seasons, as pike move into shallower waters to spawn or feed heavily before winter. Water clarity can vary greatly depending on recent rainfall and runoff, so be prepared to adjust your lure selection accordingly. Use larger, flashy lures like spoons, spinners, or crankbaits in murky water, and switch to more natural-looking presentations like swimbaits or jerkbaits in clearer conditions. A local tip: the boat launch at Veteran's Memorial Park provides easy access to the lower Saginaw River and the bay. Pay attention to the forage base; matching your lure size and profile to the prevalent baitfish will significantly increase your chances of success. Don't be afraid to experiment with depth, as pike will often suspend in the water column, especially during warmer months.