While my partner Greg Sochocki was putting on his foul weather gear for the April 29 opening morning of walleye season, I noticed a fellow launching his boat alone. I walked over to the dock at the Rust Avenue launch ramp on the Saginaw River and grabbed his launch rope to give him a hand.
He was appreciative and announced that he was fishing alone because all of his buddies had decided to fish the Bay on the opener this year, but he wanted to fish the river because “it’s tradition,” he said.
Fishing slow on opening day for Michigan walleyes
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Hand-Picked For You
Ohio Division of Wildlife manager Comer retires after 32 years
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Public launch in Tiffin newest scenic river access in Ohio
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Wisconsin EHD in southeast appears to be ending
Larry Polenske
November 6, 2026
Lake Superior lake trout numbers falling as Wisconsin NRB approves harvest reduction
Tim Eisele
November 6, 2026
Baitfish ban proposed in the Adirondacks
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Southern Zone opener marks new earn-a-second-buck era in New York
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Related Articles

Hammerhandle pike, AIS surcharges, and stranger things
Ron Schara
November 6, 2026
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a phone number or information to report access problems to the responsible agency?

Ep. 109 – Heart of Deer Season
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Deer season is in full swing in nearly all Northeastern states, but the warm weather has sure thrown a wrench

Ohio Division of Wildlife manager Comer retires after 32 years
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
West Mansfield, Ohio — On Oct. 31, the banquet room at the West Mansfield Sportsman’s Club filled to capacity as