Area fishing enthusiasts will welcome the completion in a few weeks of a new fish spawning reef in Saginaw Bay about seven miles offshore from the mouth of the Quanicassee River in roughly 14 feet of water.

Bay County Director of Environmental Affairs and Community Development Laura Ogar says financing came mostly from a $1,300,000  federal grant. Ogar added if a future spring flood washed out spawning sources in Saginaw River tributaries, there would still be a site in the bay where species like walleye and whitefish could reproduce and safely lay their eggs.

She spoke after briefing the County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.