The 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Upper Peninsula ~ Captain Dixon (2024)

Discover the best fishing lakes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Our guide includes top-rated spots for trout, bass, and more. Read on for detailed information about each lake and tips for fishing success.

Torch Lake

Torch Lake is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is part of the Lake Michigan watershed, and is over 17,000 acres in size.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, muskellunge
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various locations around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, offered by various companies
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Clam Lake Lodge, Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast, Torch Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Torch Lake Bait & Tackle, located three miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Valid Michigan fishing license and limits on species
Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, various beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Jack’s Gas Station, located two miles away

Manistique Lake

Manistique Lake is located in the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is part of the Lake Michigan watershed, and is over 10,000 acres in size.

Types of Fish: Chinook salmon, lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various locations around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, offered by various companies
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Manistique Lake Inn, West Shore Lodge, Steeno’s Landing
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Manistique Marine, located five miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Valid Michigan fishing license and limits on species
Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, various beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Manistique Quick Stop, located four miles away

Munuscong Lake

Munuscong Lake is located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is part of the Lake Huron watershed, and is over 8,500 acres in size.

Types of Fish: Chinook salmon, walleye, northern pike, bullhead, yellow perch, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various locations around the lake
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, offered by various companies
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Munuscong Bay Lodge, Wilderness Woods Resort, Channel View Resort
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Munuscong Lake Sport Shop, located six miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Valid Michigan fishing license and limits on species
Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, various beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Munuscong Marina, located two miles away

Keweenaw Bay

Keweenaw Bay is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is part of the Lake Superior watershed, and is over 9,000 acres in size.

Types of Fish: Rainbow trout, lake trout, whitefish, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various locations around the bay
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, offered by various companies
Closest Hotels to this Lake: AmericInn by Wyndham, Bay Motel, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Casino Hotel
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Keweenaw Outdoor Store, located five miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Valid Michigan fishing license and limits on species
Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, various beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Gas Station, located three miles away

St. Marys River

St. Marys River is located in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is part of the Lake Huron watershed, and is over 200 miles in size.

Types of Fish: Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, white bass, lake sturgeon
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various locations around the river
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, offered by various companies
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Soo Lockview Hotel, Lakeside Resorts, Grandview Motel & Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Anglers Outpost, located three miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Valid Michigan fishing license and limits on species
Amenities of the Lake: Marinas, various beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: St. Marys River Gas Station, located one mile away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Upper Peninsula and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Check out the Google map below to explore other great lakes and fishing locations in the Upper Peninsula! Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler, you are sure to find a spot that suits your preferences. From small, secluded ponds to large and sprawling lakes, the Upper Peninsula has something for everyone. So, take a look at the map and start planning your next fishing adventure today!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has a unique climate for sport fishing throughout the year. During the summer months, temperatures can reach highs in the mid-70s and during the winter, temperatures can drop to -20°F. The region is known for its snowy winters, with an average of nearly 200 inches of snowfall annually. However, the area rarely experiences extreme weather, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities all year round.

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FAQs

Where is the best place to shore fish in the Upper Peninsula Michigan? ›

The Top Fishing Spots in the Upper Peninsula Michigan

Marquette, Munising, and St. Ignace are the best places to base your angling explorations on Lake Huron and Lake Superior. You'll find plenty of charter fishing companies in the area, but one of our favorites is Daybreak Charters based in Marquette.

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Where is the best place to catch pike in Michigan? ›

Located in the Upper Peninsula, Little Bay De Noc is a hotspot for big pike. The bay's extensive weed beds offer excellent cover for pike, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Boat rentals are available for those who wish to explore the bay's deeper waters.

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Which Great lake has the most fishing? ›

Lake Erie is the warmest, most shallow and most biologically diverse of the North American Great Lakes, home to 107 species of fish (90 native, 17 introduced) making it one of the largest freshwater fisheries in the world.

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Where to fish for salmon in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? ›

The St. Marys River of the Upper Peninsula is home to Michigan's Atlantic Salmon-this is the most unique fishery the region has to offer. Many anglers travel around the world to chase these magnificent fish.

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What is the hardest fish to catch in Michigan? ›

Lake trout are some of the hardest fighting fish in Michigan but require gentle handling.

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What is the most popular fish to catch in Michigan? ›

Some popular fish species include:

Yellow perch.
Walleye.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Pan fish (sunfish, crappie, rock bass)
Lake trout.
Pacific salmon (Chinook, coho, steelhead)

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What month is best for pike fishing? ›

Fall. Late August brings cooler nights and declining water temperatures. Pike feed heavily as this happens because their instincts are telling them the coldwater period of inactivity is approaching. The fall is one of the best times of the year to target pike, and it is a great time to look for a real trophy fish.

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What is the best bait for pike in Michigan? ›

Some of our favorites are Mepps #5, double willow bladed spinner baits in white, X-Raps and large flies in baitfish patterns and colors. Pike are not leader shy and because of their sharp teeth, therefore, we recommend the use of wire leaders or 40 lbs mono or greater leaders.

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Where are the biggest pike caught? ›

Dubucs 46-pound, 2-ounce monster reigned as the planet's biggest pike until a 55 pound pike was caught in Germany. The Dubuc pike caught in the Great Sacandaga Lake still holds the record for the largest pike caught in the USA.

What is the biggest predator fish in the Great Lakes? ›

Sea lampreys are the Great Lakes' biggest predators. They attach to valuable fish and feed on their victims blood and body fluids.

What is the most predator in the Great Lakes? ›

Flexi Says: The top predators in the Great Lakes ecosystem include the lake trout, northern pike, and muskellunge. These species are at the top of the food chain and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

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Which Great Lake has the most walleye? ›

1) Walleye

This is the go-to Great Lakes fish, especially in Lake Erie. It's abundant, grows to 30 inches or better, tastes great and is easy to target with a variety of techniques.

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What is the biggest salmon caught in Michigan? ›

And on Aug. 7, 2021, a 47.86-pounder was caught on a Ludington, Michigan, charter boat, breaking a state mark that had stood for 43 years. The Michigan record also set an all-time Great Lakes mark, narrowly surpassing a fish caught Sept. 7, 1991, in Lake Ontario's Salmon River in New York.

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Where are the King Salmon in Michigan? ›

King Salmon

The majority of our King and Coho salmon fishing is done on the Manistee River below Tippy Dam down to the mouth of the river. Secondly on the Betsie River, in the lower stretches and finally on the Pere Marquette River.

What is the best tasting salmon in Michigan? ›

Although you won't encounter the line-burning "screamers" like their larger Chinook Salmon cousins, Coho Salmon offer plenty of excitement and are considered one of the best-eating salmonids in Lake Michigan.

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What is the best time to fish from shore? ›

More fish will come in to feed during high tide, especially at dawn or dusk, as there will be more water in your fishing hole, but certain species will prefer low tide. Take advantage of low tide to read the beach and locate sand banks, dips, hollows, and other structures.

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Where is the best place to fish in Michigan without a boat? ›

Lake St. Clair is one of the best fishing lakes in Michigan. Fishing can be done here year-round, including ice fishing in the winter. Lake St Clair has great spots for shore fishing and is one of the best places to fish in Michigan without a boat.