Hi everybody.

Well, things are starting to pop on the Bay and my predictions of a great spring walleye fishery in the rivers is also coming true in spades. In this fisheries 24 year history I've seen few seasons that compare to both the sizes and catch rates that this season is producing on the rivers. All those 2002/2003 natural year class walleyes are showing up this season in that perfect 17 to 19 inch range, with many of the older 2002 females reaching their reproductive size of 23 to 25 inches and bulging with eggs, doing their thing and (hopefully) making yet another record breaking year class of fish. Many of my friends have also been limiting out on the Bay in virtually every corner of it when weather permits. Both Harnesses, cranks and spoon rigs are taking fish in 10 to 18 FOW while trolling. I myself just recently got out on the river with a close friend after 4 months of layup because of my surgeries, and it was a ball. Pictures below. Not being in my Jet Boat, we could not get up into the Tiittabawassee where the walleyes are still hitting like crazy, so we stayed on the upper stretches of the Saginaw. We didn't catch a single walleye but had a ball with some Giant White Bass, Catfish and Pike. Walleye were being caught around us but we could not make ourselves change techniques or leave this (every cast) action that the whites were providing.

I have a few trips booked for next week, all on the river, so I'll have some more fresh pictures. My Big boat probably won't be in the water till the first of June at Linwood Beach Marina. Because of the gas prices my charter bookings seem to be down from this same time last year. So I still have pleanty of great weekend dates open right now for the summer season on the Bay. It just may be more advantageous and financially thrifty for many of you to charter a boat versus hauling your own rigs any distance this season. Just something too think about. Also before I go, I'd like to announce a new service that might make your trip to the Bay an easier decision. Here is a letter recieved from the NOAA service.

Greetings from NOAA, National Weather Service, Detroit/Pontiac...

I am happy to report to you that plans are finalized for installation of wind equipment on Light #1. The National Weather Service and the U.S. Coast Guard have worked out the details that approves the installation, but the actual date of installation is still being determined. We expect that it will be installed this season for sure and are hopeful it will be early in the season. We will be eager to announce its availability when the time comes, so stay tuned to our web sites.

There has also been some discussion here at our office of using a rapid response water level gage as a wave height sensor at Light #1 as well, but this is still on the drawing board. Even just the wind speed and direction at that location will be a very welcome addition, I'm sure.

New this season, please take a look at our new marine web portal at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/greatlakes/

Meteorologist/Marine Focal Point
NOAA/National Weather Service
Detroit/Pontiac, Michigan