If you’re looking for a Great Lakes fishing adventure, there’s one you shouldn’t miss. Named after the early French explorers, Lake Huron is one of the most beautiful lakes in this part of the world. Follow in the footsteps of the Huron people, and see why they loved it so much.
Fishing on Lake Huron is truly a special experience, and you’ll be greeted by untouched beauty in every direction. Home to over 30,000 islands, and with the longest shoreline of all the Great Lakes, there’s just something about this body of water that sets it apart from the crowd. Read on to find out more about Lake Huron fishing.
Best Fish to Catch in Lake Huron
You’re probably wondering what fish you can go after on a Lake Huron fishing trip. Well, we can tell you that there’s a lot of them! It’s not easy to take your pick, but we’ll try to help you make your decision in this section.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout were nearly wiped out from Lake Huron at one point due to overfishing. But today, they’re rising in numbers. There’s a healthy population you can target thanks to the efforts of local stocking of the fishery. They’re feisty and delicious, and they’ve been a Great Lakes staple for a very long time.
And while there’s still a long way to go to restore its previous glory, anglers are happy that they can once again target this freshwater beast. It’s at the top of the food chain in Lake Huron, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time if you decide to go after it. And who knows, maybe it’ll be what makes you come back for more!
Walleye
One of the best fishing spots on Lake Huron is Saginaw Bay, and it’s a great place to sink a line for Walleye. You’ll find them there year-round, but during the summer months, they tend to bite more aggressively. If you’re up for an ice fishing adventure, head out in wintertime and try jigging with a wax worm.
Some of the biggest specimens can be found in the north, on Tawas Bay. So if you’re looking for that trophy Walleye, this is the place to be! With excellent game qualities, it’s the reason a lot of freshwater fishing aficionados come to Lake Huron. Pair that with their tender, delicious meat, and there’s hardly a fish that can compete with them.
Salmon
One of the most iconic freshwater species, Salmon take the top spot on many anglers’ lists. And for good reason! They’re fun to target, and the fight they put up is the reason so many people get into angling. And while Lake Huron isn’t famous for its Salmon fishery due to their dwindling numbers, you can still hook into one of these most coveted species here.
In these waters, you can hook into Chinook, Coho, and Pink Salmon. Coho Salmon has been especially popular recently, so if you’re looking for the latest trend, this is the one to look out for. Trolling spoons and Salmon plugs are the way to go for Salmon fishing on the open water.
Northern Pike
Northern Pike is a big deal in this part of the world, and it’s no surprise – just look at it! This beauty is a common target among anglers in the Great Lakes, and Lake Huron is known for some of the best Pike fishing. Tawas Bay holds the biggest specimens, so if you’re looking to break records, this is where you should be.
Pike reach impressive sizes on all of Lake Huron though, and one of the best ways to target them is by going ice fishing. Head out just when the lake starts freezing over and you’ll find them still close to shore. If you’re looking to have some real fun, you should definitely consider it!
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch might not be the most exciting fish to do battle with, but they more than make up for it on the dinner table. If you’re up for a relaxing day on the water or maybe teaching your kids about fishing, this is the perfect target.
Lake Huron has a healthy population of Perch, and you’ll find them almost everywhere you go. The northern part of the lake around Les Cheneaux Islands is an especially abundant spot. Try going after them from a kayak and experience the lake from a new perspective.
And More!
While these might be the most interesting targets people go after on Lake Huron, there’s much more lurking underwater than it might seem at first glance. Sturgeon, Steelhead, Bass, Bloater, and Pumpkinseed are some of the other species that call these waters home. Whatever you happen to run into on your adventure, one thing’s for sure – you’ll have fun!
How to Go Fishing on Lake Huron
Now that you know what you can catch, the question is how? Well, keep in mind that this is the third-largest Great Lake. This means one thing – there are many different ways of heading out and enjoying a day of fishing. Read on to find what works for you!
Charter Fishing
Seeing how big Lake Huron is, making the most out of your angling adventure can require some planning. This is why heading out on a charter will allow you to see as much as you can and cover a lot more ground than you would on foot. It’s hands-down the most productive way of fishing these waters.
Another benefit of enjoying your day on the lake this way is the help of a fishing guide. One of the most sought-after experiences here is Salmon trolling during the summer months. And with the help of a local angler, you’re bound to have a prolific fishing trip. This way, maybe you’ll come out of it with some new knowledge of this delicate ecosystem.
Shore Fishing
If you see yourself as more of a stationary angler, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t just go on down to the shore and sink a line. How do you go about it? Well, Lake Huron has the longest shoreline out of all of the Great Lakes, which means that your options are unlimited!
Smallmouth Bass, Salmon, and Walleye are popular shore fishing targets among locals, especially in spring. Pike is another target you can expect to find in shallow bays before they finish spawning in April and head to deeper waters. Whether it’s from shore, from a pier, or even one of the beautiful beaches found on Lake Huron, you won’t be disappointed!
Ice Fishing
One thing that always comes to mind when you think of the Great Lakes is ice fishing. While the ice cover has been getting thinner in recent years, there’s still a good chance that it’ll be there if you visit in January. Popular fish when the lake freezes over are Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, and various Trout species.
What better way to start the year than by doing something new? It’s simple and effective, and it’s a serene way of enjoying your day. Skaters and ice fishermen make the winter season on Lake Huron truly magical. So why not join in on the fun?
Kayak Fishing
Looking for an intimate fishing adventure? Kayak fishing has been gaining popularity in recent years, so you might be tempted to find out why. You’ll be happy to know that Lake Huron is a great place to try it out. Stunning natural views, calm waters, and great weather all make kayak fishing a fun way to wet your line.
Salmon and Perch are great species to go after from a ‘yak. Stay closer to shore or explore the waters around the many islands on Lake Huron. Paddle out from one of the many access points along the shoreline and get ready to have the fight of your life. Sore muscles and full bellies – what more can you ask for?
Where to Go Fishing on Lake Huron
With around 23,000 miles of water, Lake Huron covers such a vast area, that it’s not easy to figure out where to go. We’ll provide you with some rough guidelines so you can make your trip an adventure to remember. A list of top Lake Huron fishing spots is coming up!
- Saginaw Bay: One of the most famous places in all of Lake Huron, Lake Saginaw is a legendary fishery among the locals. Thanks to its rich waters and great weather, targeting Salmon, Trout, Perch, Pike, and many more species here is a wonderful way to enjoy the lake.
- Linwood, Michigan: If you’re wondering about the best place to fish in Saginaw Bay, look no further. Linwood is a fishing town first and foremost, and fishing out here is a serene experience. Let your hair down and target Trout, Perch, Sturgeon, Walleye, Whitefish, and more.
- Mackinaw City: Fishing is ingrained in the very fiber of Mackinaw City. Sitting at the border between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, there’s hardly a more exciting place to sink a line from. Trout, Salmon, Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon, Perch, Bass – they’re all in the cards!
- Thunder Bay: Amazing natural views are a big part of why Thunder Bay has been gaining traction recently. Fishing in this beautiful bay is best done out of a kayak, so you can get up close and personal with the wildlife.
- Rogers City: Rogers City enjoys a great position on Lake Huron with a lot of prized fish swimming by. You’ll get a chance to go after a myriad of species, including Trout, Salmon, Walleye, Whitefish, and Perch.
- Saugeen River: And if you’re looking to cross the border and dip your line in Canadian waters, don’t forget your passport! Saugeen River is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to reel in some nice Lake Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, and Bass.
Lake Huron Fishing Regulations
So, you know where to go and how to catch what you want. But when do you embark on this Lake Huron adventure? This is a year-round fishery, but you should decide when to go depending on your ambitions. Summer is the best season to visit in general, as you’ll be able to target the most species that way.
Some of the fish species that live in Lake Huron are subject to strict regulations. For example, Lake Sturgeon and Paddlefish have very strict regulations, as well as Trout, due to overfishing. Also, don’t forget to buy a Michigan fishing license for everyone age 17 or older.
Lake Huron – the Great Lakes Underdog
The Great Lakes are truly a work of art. They’re mighty, rich, and mysterious. However, Lake Huron has something special. It’s not as visited as the rest of the lakes area, which makes it that much more valuable. Therefore, if you’re looking for a fishing adventure off the beaten path, look no further. Lake Huron and its gorgeous natural world won’t disappoint. Because everyone loves an underdog!
Have you ever been to Lake Huron? Did you try fishing? How was it? Tell us about your fishing adventure in the comments below, or ask anything you’d like to know. We love to hear from you!
