Fishing in Lake Michigan

Fishing in Lake Michiganbait store operators what's hot and what's not.
Seasons of FunFall Fishing
Early Fishing Season• Salmon fishing is also quite
• Fishing the upper bay offersgood in the waters south of Escanaba.
many different types of fishing. Early in theApproximately six miles south of Escanaba is a
season, (starting May 15th) walleyes can benavigational buoy known as the Ford River Can.
caught around the mouths of the rivers emptyingThis buoy marks the west side of the shipping
into Little Bay de Noc. These rivers are thechannel. Trolling along this bank with spoons offers
Whitefish River, the Tacoosh River, the Escanabasome exciting times. This fishery usually takes off
River, and the Days River. The waters off theduring the middle of July and will last for about 6-8
Ford River also present excellent fishingweeks. Salmon can also be caught from the bank
excitement early in the season.along the Escanaba Harbor entrance in late
• This early season offers theSeptember and October.
fisherman casting opportunities. Some of the bestWinter Fishing
fishing takes place in very shallow water, 5 feet• Ice fishing on Little Bay de
or less. The early season usually lasts about aNoc also poses some great North Shore times.
month or until the alewives enter the bay.First ice is usually the best for walleye, but be
Northern pike can also be caught in these samesure to check out ice conditions before venturing
areas. If you are crappie anglers, large fish can beout. Both the upper and lower bays are excellent
caught around the shallow water around the Rapidduring this time of the year. Try fishing close to
River site.the bottom. Fish tend to travel very close to the
• In the past few years, nightbottom.
time hours serve as a time for outstanding fishing.• Another great sportfish is
One thing to remember is MAKE SURE YOURthe Splake ( a cross between a lake and brook
LIGHTS WORK before you go out. By law, youtrout, planted in the bay by the DNR) Splake
must have working navigational lights on yourfishing is excellent during the winter months. Fish
boat and use them after dusk.these the same way as you would a walleye,
• If you fish the Escanabajigging is best. Generally, splake can be found
River, a small launch ramp is located about a halfacross from Escanaba on the Stonington side of
mile up river from the mouth. Great care shouldthe Bay. Water depth varies from 28 to 45 feet.
be taken if you launch here. Logs and pilings lieHaving a depth sounder really helps a great deal
just under the surface of the water. Askwhen trying to locate these fish.
someone where the channel is.Exotic Species
Summer Fishing• A number of exotic species
• During the summer monthshave been found in waters surrounding Michigan
and into the fall, trolling can be extremelywhich compete with native species and disrupt
productive. You'll have to see the depth the fishthe balance of nature. Please take precautions to
are holding and fish down to them. If you lures willprevent the transport and introduction of these
not go down deep enough, try using lead core line,from one lake or stream to another by draining
snap weights, bottom bouncers, or downriggers.water from live wells, bilge, and transom BEFORE
At any rate, fish at the depth the fish are located.leaving any water body. Empty your bail bucket
• For those of you who haveas well. Before going to another water body let
downriggers, set your lines up just as you wouldyour boat and trailer dry at least 5 days. If you
if you were fishing for salmon and use smallcan't wait, wash everything down with hot (at
salmon spoons about 30 feet behind yourleast 140 degrees) water thoroughly before
downrigger weight. A good speed is about 1.5entering new waters.
miles an hour. This has proven to be an excellent• Whether you have your
pattern over the years.own boat or you would like to book a charter on
• Some of the best spoonsa charter boat, Delta County and Little Bay de
have included North Port NailersÂ(R), SilverNoc have much to offer. It is a fisherman's
StreaksÂ(R), and Laker TakersÂ(R).paradise, but remember just take what you can
The Laker TakersÂ(R) are made by theuse. Help us maintain our fishery for future
Swedish PimpleÂ(R) Company located rightgenerations. Practice catch and release and consult
in Gladstone, Michigan.the Michigan Fishing Guide published by the
• Some of the best crawlerMichigan Department of Natural Resources for
harnesses are made by the Walleyerules and regulations concerning fishing limits and
ChoiceÂ(R) Company which is also locatedsizes.
in this area. These companies specialize in baitsInformation courtesy of
that work well in this area for walleye and pike.Visit our web site to learn all of what you can do
These baits can be purchased at any bait shop inin Michigan including fishing, golfing, scuba diving,
this area. Colors vary throughout the year so askhistoric lighthouses, theatre, and much more!