Gladstone isn’t a place you hear much about, but it’s the talk of the town among anglers. Between the Little and Big Bays de Noc on Lake Michigan and the Escanaba River, this town is abundant with fishing opportunity. Walleye, Pike, Bass, Salmon, Trout, and other game fish call these waters home, and your chances of catching them are excellent throughout much of the year. You can have a field day fishing for all these species, but it’s the trophy Walleye that take the cake. In fact, some might say Gladstone fishing charters are your ticket to some of the world’s best Walleye fishing!
Gladstone Fishing Spots
Little Bay de Noc
You can enjoy good fishing in Little Bay de Noc year-round, with the opportunity to hook into Trout, Bass, Salmon, and Walleye at various times. More than anything, these waters are known for trophy Walleye fishing in the fall, when anglers catch fish weighing 8-12 lbs. Even before these big fish show up, you can count on plenty of Walleye action starting in the spring.
The north end of the bay, from Rapid River to Gladstone, has deep water and a number of reefs which make prime fishing grounds throughout the year. When the fishing in this area loses momentum, anglers head to the lower end of the bay stretching from Gladstone to Escanaba. Here, the the deep waters of the bay are surrounded by shallow flats, where you can enjoy good fishing in spring. The Gladstone public beach is a good place to cast your line for starters. South of Gladstone lies a notorious hot spot called “Black Bottom,” where the weed flats suddenly give way to waters over 30 feet deep. Come midsummer, this is the place for local fishing!
Big Bay de Noc
The fishing in Big Bay can be hit-or-miss; but when it’s on, it’s really on. In some years, the fishing picks up as early as spring, but it usually doesn’t get going until around June.
You’ll find fewer fish here than in Little Bay, but what they lack in number they make up for in size. Many Walleye in Big Bay de Noc measure 24-30 inches, some of them topping 12 lbs. The Smallmouth Bass fishing here is also outstanding.
Some favorite hot spots in Big Bay include Ogontz Bay in the northwest corner, as well Round Island and Big Bay de Noc Shoal further south. These last couple of locations offer the best fishing between July and August.
Escanaba River
The Escanaba River runs right between West Gladstone and Escanaba before emptying into the Little Bay de Noc. Walleye swim in the river all year, but you’ll notice a significant decrease in the size of the fish around the end of June when water temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass inhabit the lower Escanaba River, where conditions often resemble lake fishing due to several dams along the area. The upper reaches of the river are brimming with lunker Brown Trout. The river is an excellent fishery for anglers without a boat and you’ll find a number of fishing platforms located downstream from the rivers’s North Shore boat launch.
Need to Know
Regulations
Anglers 17 years old and above must carry a MI fishing license. Residents and non-residents can purchase either a 24-hour license ($10) or a 72-hour license ($30, prices subject to change).
It’s legal to catch and release all major game fish in the Gladstone area year-round. Possession seasons vary by species, so be sure to check local regulations ahead of time if you plan on keeping any legal-sized fish you catch. Hiring a local guide is recommended so that they can help you follow the rules.
Gladstone Fishing Techniques
Anglers in Gladstone use a variety of methods to catch local Walleye and change their tactics through the seasons. In spring and summer, it’s common to troll or drift night crawler harnesses. Come fall, many anglers switch to trolling crankbaits.
Because Walleye are sensitive to light and easily spooked, many recommend fishing for them in murky water and trolling planer boards. In Big Bay, the water is often much clearer, meaning you have to trail your lures as far from the boat as possible to avoid spooking these fish.
Budget
Gladstone fishing charters offer your choice of half day (5 hours) or full day (8 hours) trips. Starting prices for half day trips range from $350-$550, and this usually covers the first 1-2 guests. You can expect to pay between $25-$75 for each additional group member. Full day trips start at $425-$600.
Getting There
Located on southern border of Michigan’s upper peninsula, Gladstone is closer to the Canadian border than any major American cities. You can reach this remote fishery by car, bus, or train. The nearest Amtrak train station is in Escanaba, a 10 minute drive from Gladstone. The Greyhound Bus makes stops at stations in Gladstone and Escanaba.
By car, Gladstone is 4 hours from Milwaukee, 5½ hours from Chicago, 6 hours from Minneapolis, and 6½ hours from Detroit.
For passionate anglers who just can’t get enough, the journey to Gladstone is well worthwhile! After all, we are talking about some of the best Walleye fishing in Lake Michigan.