FISHING IN MICHIGAN
In addition to the four Great Lakes, fishing in Michigan can mean wetting a line on one of the state’s scenic rivers or boating on one of the state’s glacial lakes. Michigan offers great fishing opportunities for anglers with more than 11,000 inland lakes, thousands of miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and numerous rivers and streams.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN MICHIGAN
LAKE CADILLAC
BELLEVILLE LAKE
If you're looking for a well-stocked walleye lake in southern Michigan, this may just be the spot for you.
BURT LAKE
GET A MICHIGAN FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN MICHIGAN
YELLOW PERCH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The yellow perch, unlike the so-called white perch, Morone americana, is a true perch, not a bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-foot, fast-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Small spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound test line |
| Lure | #2-#6 hook, Most commonly used bait are worms, Rubber jig, Small Spinners |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
ATLANTIC SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The value of the Atlantic salmon both as a sport, commercial, and food fish cannot be exaggerated.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot, 8-9 weight fly single-handed rod |
| Reel | Fly reel capable of holding 150 yards of 20lb backing |
| Line | Leaders are typically 9 feet in length |
| Lure | Larger Flies, Darker Flies, Flies with Crystal Flash |
LAKE TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The lake trout has considerable value both as a sport fish and a food fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small weightless lures and spinners, Night Crawlers, Minnows, Salmon |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing provides anglers an opportunity to go fishing during the winter months.
