Michigan Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

If there ever was a state that could be dubbed a “freshwater wonderland,” it must be Michigan. And no, we aren’t exaggerating. If anything, we’re probably selling it short. With the longest freshwater coastline in the country, 3,000 rivers, and 11,000 inland lakes under its umbrella, Michigan fishing can be nothing but spectacular. Oh, and did we mention that you have access to four out of the five Great Lakes?

With endless angling opportunities at its disposal, it’s clear why Michigan is a fishing mecca for enthusiasts from all over the US. Whether you’re in the mood to battle game fish or bring home delicious fillets, Michigan’s rich fisheries won’t disappoint. But enough of the hyperbole. How about we dive into the Great Lakes State’s underwater world and see what awaits you here…

What are you interested in?

The fact that well over a million licenses are sold every year shows just how big fishing in Michigan is. With at least one of the Great Lakes always a stone’s throw away, the sky’s the limit to what you can reel in. If we’re talking about top catches, it’s hard to just pick one species. So, we’ll mention several celebrities and their equally famous supporting stars. Keep on reading for more info.

Michigan’s Headliners

The following species are renowned among anglers. Enviable game fish qualities and action-packed pursuits have earned them the reputation of the most sought-after trophies in the country. There’s no doubt that they’re on everyone’s radar when fishing in Michigan. So, let’s take a look at the headliners together.

• Walleye: Aggressive, stubborn, and hungry, Walleye are true headliners in Michigan. Grab their attention by trolling minnows, and they’ll make you break a sweat. The best time to battle these toothy fellas is in spring during low light. While your average target weighs around 2 pounds, it’s not uncommon to cross paths with a 10 lb monster in Lake Erie during summer.
• Salmon: Chinook, Coho, Atlantic, and Pink Salmon dominate Michigan’s angling scene in early spring and fall. Chinook, in particular, are Kings of the Great Lakes, and most numerous of all Salmon. They rule Lakes Huron and Michigan, so the action is at its best there. But you can land a decent King in the Pere Marquette, St. Joseph, and Manistee Rivers, too.
• Brook Trout: The ultimate catch if you’re fishing in Michigan. These beauties are so popular that they hold the crown of being Michigan’s state fish! While they won’t be your largest rivals, Brook Trout are some of the feistiest game fish around. They prefer the clear and cold waters of the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula’s fisheries. But you can find them here in the Manistee River, as well.
• Northern Pike: Speaking of feisty opponents, no fish is as ferocious as Northern Pike. Treat them to live minnows and watch them put up a show for you. Just don’t forget a wire leader, otherwise, they’ll bite right through your line. There’s a good number of them in the Great Lakes, as well as in the Manistee, Muskegon, and Houghton Rivers.

Michigan’s Supporting Stars

While the above-mentioned superstars are all the rage, they aren’t the only celebrities around here. Many anglers flock to Michigan to test their skills against Bass or Musky instead of Salmon and Trout. So, here’s a breakdown of some additional underwater stars you could come across.

• Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are one of the all-time favorite catches in Michigan, both on the Great Lakes and all over the Lower Peninsula. They live and feed close to rocky bottoms and come to shallow waters before spawning. Smallies stay in the 1–3 lb ballpark, but 5 lb specimens can surprise you as well.
• Musky: Muskellunge, also known as Muskies, pose a great angling challenge, especially if you fish for them in Lake St. Clair. These opportunistic feeders will attack your prey without any hesitation, so getting them to bite shouldn’t take a lot of time. Overpowering them, however, won’t end in a second. If you’re up for a trophy-sized Musky, hit the Detroit River.
• Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): Steelheads, or Rainbow Trout, are the belles of the ball – fun to catch, and even better to eat. You can troll for them or cast a line from shore or a pier. They also gather around scumlines (points where waters of different temperatures mix) and feed quite close to the surface. The average Steelie weighs between 5–7 pounds, though there are 20-pounders out there, too.
• Lake Trout: Lake Trout are equally in demand, especially among winter anglers. They love cold waters up to 55ºF and live in both the Great Lakes and inland. Trolling close to the bottom is the most efficient way to get a Laker. Bodies of water like Crystal, Torch, and Higgins Lakeas are regularly stocked with Lake Trout and offer an excellent bite year-round.
• Brown Trout: We can’t talk about topliners without mentioning Brown Trout. They open the spring season in the Great Lakes, and cloudy and rainy days are the best time for success. Fly anglers love going after Browns in the evenings after giant hex hatches on streams like the Manistee and Au Sable Rivers.

Believe it or not, the line-up of A-listers doesn’t end here. Largemouth Bass are as famous as their smaller relatives. There’s a good number of White Bass, too. They’re usually the smallest in the Bass family, but perfect for an angling adventure under the cover of darkness. You can also go after Crappie, Perch, Carp, and Catfish. Plus, Sturgeon and Sauger aren’t lagging far behind either. All in all, the list of Michigan fish species is long and brag-worthy.

Michigan Fishing Seasons

Snow-covered lakes accompanied by howling winds and freezing temperatures are common in Michigan in winter. But this doesn’t mean you should succumb to a winter slumber. Quite the opposite. Fishing in Michigan is a year-round activity and the arrival of the coldest season marks the begging of an ice-fishing adventure!

But when is the ideal time to go fishing in Michigan? It comes down to what fish you want to outsmart. Should you want to reel in an impressive Salmon specimen, go Michigan fishing in spring or fall. If you’re after a monster Walleye, then summer is the right season for you. In case you aren’t afraid of frostbite, ice fishing for Pike is your go-to challenge.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve outlined the Michigan fishing seasons below with a month-by-month overview. The table is there so you can pinpoint the perfect time to go after your target fish and come back glorious from your hunt. Here you go:

Best Fishing Spots in Michigan

Almost 45% of Michigan’s territory is covered with water. So to say that one angling spot is better than the other is simply impossible. Blessed with numerous rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds, Michigan will reward you with a superb fishery wherever you wet your line. If you, however, need a starting point, take a look at our top picks below. These locations have proved to be the most prolific Michigan fishing spots over the years.

Sure, these places are unsurpassed when it comes to casting a line in Michigan, but they are far from being alone. If you crave more angling corners across the state, here are some additional hotspots to get you inspired:

Fishing Techniques in Michigan

Now that you know what fish await you when fishing in Michigan and where you can find your trophy catch, you now need to choose how you’re going to chase them. While you can conquer Michigan’s fisheries via different angling approaches, the possible fishing techniques are divided into two groups: you can opt for exploring these waters on foot or aboard a vessel. Let’s dive deeper into your options.

• Charter Fishing: Hitting the water with a local guide is the equivalent of taking a test to which you already know all the answers. In Michigan, thousands of people live and breathe fishing, so whichever body of water you choose, there will be someone to show you the ropes. And the best part is that they can tailor the trip to your needs. So, if you’re angling here for the first time, this sort of insight is invaluable. The Great Lakes, not to any surprise, are the home to the biggest number of top-notch charter operators.
• Fly Fishing: The state is recognized nationwide as a fly fishing paradise, with its thousands of miles of productive Trout waters. These gorgeous fish thrive because of the fly hatches that happen to be their favorite food. The hex hatch is particularly important (late June to early July) because it marks peak fly fishing season. During this time, Trout are most active and they attack flies with wild abandon, which translates into brag-worthy battles. The Manistee, Au Sable, and Pere Marquette Rivers are premier fly fishing hotspots.
• Ice Fishing: Come winter, ice-covered lakes become dotted with ice shanties and passionate ice anglers. The ice fishing season can last up to five months (December–April) and Crappie, Perch, Trout, and Pike will grace the ends of your line during this period. Lake St. Clair is a Crappie kingdom, Cadillac Lake is Pikes’ domain, while Lake Higgins is Lake Trouts’ home. These are a few destinations to keep in mind, but there are hundreds more to explore.

… And More!

Of course, these methods aren’t the only ones you can try out. Depending on the location you’ll be wetting your line in and your preferences, you can also go shore fishing, pier fishing, wading, or kayak fishing. Michigan is truly an angling playground, so feel free to experiment with fishing techniques until you find the right combo that works for you and your target fish.

Michigan Fishing Trips

With so many spots, species, and fishing techniques at your disposal, booking a trip can be challenging. But don’t worry – there isn’t much room for mistakes. Whichever adventure you reserve, you’ll be in for a treat. However, it’s understandable if you already have something in mind. But let’s see what fishing trips Michigan charter operators most commonly offer.

If you can’t get enough of Michigan’s local hospitality, its incredible scenery, and its vibrant underwater world, then a full day trip is the right choice for you. These trips usually last between 7 and 8 hours and allow you to spend more time pursuing your dream catch. A full day fishing adventure is also perfect for targeting more species, practicing a variety of angling methods, and covering a larger area in a single outing.

Bear in mind that many trips are seasonal because charter operators align their angling efforts with the peak season of a specific fish. Guides also offer specialized fly fishing trips. For further insight into booking options, click the link above and browse your heart out. And don’t be afraid to get in touch with captains and consult with them on what trip to book. Tight lines!

Michigan Fishing Regulations

One of the most important things to remember when preparing for your trip is your Michigan fishing license. All anglers who are 17 and older need to have a valid license, whether they’re fishing solo or with a charter. You can get them online, and there are several options to choose from, depending on how long you plan on fishing.

Your guide will keep you in the loop about other fishing regulations, including catch limits, along with everything else you need to know. In case you’re angling on your own, please pay attention to bag and size restrictions. Not all catches are keepers, so before you pack your fish and go home, make sure you respect the latest rules.

Should you book a trip that partly takes place in Canadian waters, you’ll need a valid Ontario fishing license and your passport.

Michigan Fishing FAQs

Andriana

Andriana has been in love with nature since before she could walk, and she lives to explore the great outdoors whenever she has the chance. Be it traveling to far-off lands, hiking, or mountain climbing, Andriana loves discovering new places and writing about them. The first time she went fishing with her dad she insisted on returning all the catch into the water. Dad was not pleased. Her curiosity about fishing only grew from there, and she’s been writing and learning about it for years. Andriana’s favorite fish to catch is Mahi Mahi.