Whirlpool River Access is a boat launch for small fishing boats and canoes on the Lower Au Sable. An accessible boardwalk leads to a hardened fishing access area.

Walleye are abundant here in Saginaw Bay and they are so much fun to fish for. Not only do they put up a moderate fight consisting of heavy pulls and headshakes, when you return to shore with your limit, they are so delicious when served piping hot, fresh out of the pan. The freshwater Saginaw Bay spans 1,143 acres and is fed by many streams and rivers, It has been blessed with a great number of naturally reproduced walleyes and when they are added to the older, adult walleye population from past years, it means fishing is always exciting, Sometimes, though, anglers have to wait for them to get in the mood to bite. If they are undersized, they are simply returned to the water to feed and grow for another day.

One of the reasons fishing is so good in the Tawas area is the management of stocking the lakes with fingerlings. In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, organizations like the Arenac County Walleye Club, help raise the young fish.

The walleyes are released into inland lakes now, a change from the past when they were released in the Great Lakes. Because there is an abundance of walleye in Saginaw Bay and they are reproducing and surviving naturally, anglers are very successful at catching them. By releasing the fish into inland waters, it evens the playing field, so to speak, and provides anglers with a choice of fishing waters.

In the fall, the steelhead begin to come into the AuSable after the run of spawning salmon. They become more aggressive as they are determined to gorge on salmon eggs, so it is the perfect time of year to fish for them. Though steelhead can be found in the Au Sable every month of the year, the fall run accelerates through October and November.

The AuSable River flows for more than 100 miles before meeting Lake Huron. For many it is just a short drive for fantastic steelhead fishing. With guides like Captain Gene Kirvan of Calypso Charters, anglers can have an easy, comfortable drift boat trip with plenty of action for that trophy fish.

Three days of non-stop blues music. Relax and get your groove on under the Big Tent with quality bands from throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Organized in 2002, the Tawas Blues by the Bay Festival is an all volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion, awareness and preservation of Blues music and it’s culture.