Not a fishing fan? Chicago fishing: Kankakee derby, redears and drum are options for The Muskegon River provides the perfect habitat for these predatory fish. It is the second deepest inland lake in the state and not as busy on the beaches and waterways as other popular lakes. Dive into angling hotspots, expert tips, and enjoy a thrilling fishing experience. "Once the water starts to cool off, the weeds in the lake begin to die. Following is a selection of big-pike waters that are sure to produce plenty of trophy northerns this year. A view at sunset of Lake Ponemah in Fenton. If you had to pick one lake for recreation in all forms, it just might be Higginsthe one the readers of the Detroit Free Press voted the state's best inland lake in one reader poll. Casting near weed edges or retrieving lures through the vegetation can often trigger a violent strike. . Thats good news for you since the pike arent as harassed. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A look at the pros and cons, similarities and differences of two types of down-facing sonar with Crash Course host Shane Beliue. 2. Pike Lake is a 292 acre lake providing optimal fishing opportunities for pike, walleye and largemouth bass. To graze the water's surface, hold the rod's tip high and reel rapidly. Pick up your speed when water temperatures creep into the upper 60s. With nearly 65,000 lakes and the . Casting with giant jerkbaits, bucktail spinners and spinnerbaits will bring arm-jolting strikes from big Green Bay northerns. Finally, those who want to get away from it all should fish Rice Lake near Lake Linden. The northern Michigan lake of Torch Lake is a beautiful clear glacial lake and the longest and deepest inland lake in the state. Numerous perch provide steady action throughout the year. They picked The Cove as Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurant.John Gonzalez, Owners of Mackinac Island Rum Co. thrilled to be open, These are the 10 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan, The Cove is Michigans Best Waterfront Restaurant, Michigans Most Iconic Restaurant is the Hack-Ma-Tack Inn, Gorgeous waterfront makes Mackinac City a Michigans Best Vacation Spot, The 2021 guide to Michigans Best Vacation Spot, Towering bluffs, crystal clear water make Sleeping Bear Dunes a top vacation spot, These are Michigans Most Iconic Restaurants, 7 great things to do with kids at Sleeping Bear Dunes, How to spend a Michigans Best Day in Charlevoix and Elk Rapids, Michigans Best Podcast: We share our favorite inland lakes, This Michigans Best Inland Lake winner offers access to multiple waterways and a tiki bar, Great fishing, boating and a popular restaurant make this lake tops in the Ann Arbor area, This Michigans Best Inland Lake winner offers a prime fishing spot in SW Michigan, DNR Podcast: Facts about Michigan Waterways, This legendary Michigan market says they have the craft beer of the summer, How to spend a Michigans Best Day in Novi and Northville. We are so proud of each and every Michigan lake that was nominated. 1. Early mornings and evenings are the most productive times to fish for northern pike. A popular spot to limit the size of the lake is Grand Traverse Bay, which is an inlet of the lake well cover next. Make quick work of your lawn with the Toro Z Master 2000 Zero Turn Mower. If you're sold on spoons, use a two-inch grub tail with them to create more movement. To book a Muskegon Lake pike charter, contact Capt. Tossing a duckling lure and watching the pike cruise in for the kill would be epic. Base your camping or swimming adventures atOnaway State Park, one of the state's first parks. It is located close to Detroit and is one of the best lakes to visit in southeast Michigan. Ben Richards kind of summed it up when he said this about Crystal Lake: Its beautiful., We had surprise winners, like Sage Lake in the Northern Lower Peninsula. Whether youre a bank angler or fishing from a boat, the Muskegon River offers plenty of opportunities for success. Higgins Lake is one of the top ice-fishing lakes in the state for anglers to target northern pike, bass, and trout. Youre sure to find pike hiding in there. Anglers will do best trolling or jigging deeper drop-offs. Lake Michigan offers everything from extensive shallow flats to deep waterways.Pike tend to hold closer to shore than the other popular gamefish here. "We've been surprised more than once by big pike when we were trolling for walleyes," claimed Portage Lake regular Paul Boyd. Muskegon Lake covers some 4,150 acres and most of it is good pike water. Theres plenty to do here, so bring the family along. Others know it only by the narrows you cross on the shortcut across the winery-laden peninsula. The northern Michigan Lake Leelanau is one of the prettiest lakes in the state. Portage Lake in northwest Michigan has many recreational purposes. 19 of the Best Lakes in Michigan for an Ideal Getaway. The bays ecosystem creates the perfect habitat for northern pike, attracting anglers from around the world to test their skills and land these fierce monsters. Camp, take your bikes or drive into the local town and grab some food. Soak up the sunshine, fishing for rainbow trout, bass and perch, gliding across the water in a sailboat or simply relaxing in the shade at one of Gull Lakes vacation cottages. Braunscheidel said that Lake St. Clair's northerns occupy a little different niche than the lake's muskies. Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes, offers anglers an extraordinary chance to experience fishing for northern pike. HOUGHTON COUNTYPike aficionados will tell you that fishing for northerns in Houghton County begins and ends with Portage Lake, a 9,500-acre body of water that splits the Keweenaw Peninsula into northern and southern halves. Pike patrol these zones, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Also, Silver Lake has about 14 different species to fish for on the regular. Freshwater drum were caught by almost anybody fishing in the bay. We also had lakes top out at the expected top spot, like Gun Lake in the Grand Rapids region. Once fall hits, northern pike actively feed to fatten up for the upcoming winter. Fishing in the U.P. Michigan - Upper Peninsula Michigan Lodging, Events 21 BEAUTIFUL Michigan Lakes (That Aren't the Great - Travel Different Muskegon Lake has excellent fishing access points, including multiple public boat launches, marinas, and fishing piers. Silver Lake is the only state park that allows ORVs on the dunes. Catching a 15-pound beast is a decent day, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up here and there. Some of the best northern pike fishing you'll find anywhere in the world is in Michigan. 9 Best Hikes In Beautiful Michigan - TravelAwaits Spring and fall find them shallower, with fall being the best time to catch hungry pike fattening up for the winter. By Mike Gnatkowski Surprisingly, there are a lot of pike fanatics in the state of Michigan. If you are looking for lakes to visit in Michigan, you are in luck because the state lays claim to the longest coastline of freshwater in the world. There are two sections that make up Lake Leelanau, each with different depths, temperature, and fish species. Photo Courtesy of rodtorres3. The lower reaches of the Big Manistee River seem to produce the best action. If you want more depth, keep the rod tip low while reeling in slowly. You can stay on Mackinac Island and enjoy Lake Huron for your entire vacation or plan a weekend getaway in Munising near Lake Superior and the many lakes located in the Upper Peninsula. Lake Huron. These small bodies of water don't get much traffic, so you're bound to find some keepers. This lake is great for water skiing and knee-boarding. 15 Top-Rated Lakes in Michigan | PlanetWare There are several parks along the stretch of the lake, including Ludington State Park, where you can go hiking and see Big Sable Lighthouse, one of more than 80 located on Lake Michigan. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Muskegon, Portage, Manistee, Michigamme and Houghton lakes are among the notable pike fisheries, while nearly all of the larger rivers in the state provide for good pike fishing. Highlight: The glacial waters of the lake make it ideal for kayaking. The lake and its shoreline also offer opportunities to fish, fly radio-controlled planes and are crisscrossed by trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. It is located near the small town of Roscommon in north-central Michigan. Thomas Allen and longtime hunting friends Jeremy King and Derek Spitzer score gobblers in this classic roost hunting in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes.". Although we aren't targeting pike in the fall, my clients catch good numbers of Big Manistee River pike by tossing in-line spinners. This was just one of several testimonials about Michigan lakes that we got over the last few weeks. The lake has no minimum size restriction, and anglers can keep up to five pike per day. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world within one country; Lake Michigan is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide, with 1,640 miles of shoreline. Lake Michigamme in the Upper Peninsula, which is mostly in Marquette County with public access at Van Riper State Park, is one of Michigans largest lakes. The glacial waters of Big Glen Lake make it a terrific lake for kayaking and swimming. Highlight: A shallow lake popular for parasailing and fishing. Highlight: The many beach options along the Lake Michigan coastline. Youll find success if you locate areas with weed beds or lily pads, as these spots attract baitfish and offer cover for the pike. Braunscheidel said that a good place to prospect for northerns in Lake St. Clair is on flats near the mouths of channels that lead into the lake. This lake reaches depths of 200 feet making it nice for fishing, especially in the deepest spot in the middle, where anglers can target lake trout. There is a beach at Maple Bay Campground, and camping is available. Big pike are relatively commonplace here. Featured Species: Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill. Burt Lake is one of the best spots in Michigan to catch walleye, as they are bountiful here. They have to have ample forage, good habitat and suitable spawning marshes. Hooking into a muskie is a dream for almost every angler out there. Black Lake is in Cheboygan County and is known for being one of the best lakes in Michigan to catch pike and muskie. There is terrific natural beauty around Higgins Lake, so you can take some time to enjoy the nearby hiking trails while you are here. Anglers can launch at Insta Launch, Bridge Street or Rainbow Bend. Whether you have your own boat or prefer fishing from the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and fish this lake. This forces the baitfish out into the open and the pike key in on them.". The pike take up residence in Portage throughout the year, but are most active during the summer months and into the fall. The Island Grill Clubhouse, located on Anchor Bay, in Lake St. Clair, is a popular stop for drinks and dining on the water. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The Lake Erie Metropark is a great spot on Lake Erie to find hiking and biking trails, a swimming pool, golf, and conveniences like restrooms. Upper Peninsula Pike Potential - Game & Fish Drop-offs close to thick shallow weeds, river mouths, shoals and under lily pads are also good spots to find pike. As the ice melts and the water temperature rises, the pike becomes more active, searching out easy meals. A spring turkey hunt in Minnesota with Thomas Allen and his brother-in-law Ben Molstre led to the tagging of this hefty gobbler. Six-inch wire leaders are a must to prevent the razor-sharp teeth of northern pike from biting through the line during their aggressive strikes. It is close to the village of Elk Rapids in northern Michigan. This 275,000-acre freshwater lake is part of the Great Lakes system and teems with walleye, muskie, pike, yellow perch, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, carp, bullhead, sunfish, and smallmouth bass. Casting large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or using live bait should bring in the pike in this lake. For fishing information, contact Frank's Great Outdoors at (989) 697-5341. With the right flies, leaders, and tools, like the Toro Revolution Electric Backpack Leaf Blower, you can ensure a successful fishing trip and a well-maintained lawn. The Toro 60V MAX 16-inch Brushless Chainsaw, a versatile and reliable tool for tackling outdoor chores in every season. Photo by J. Scott Park | MLive.comMLive.com, The vibe, the people make this Michigans Best Inland Lake in the Jackson area, Portage Lake in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, offers "pristine wetlands, historic lighthouses and sandy beaches," says Brad Barnett of the Keweenaw Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Pike tend to congregate around structures like drop-offs, points, and submerged timber. 18 Rapalas and Husky Jerks, and takes plenty of fish up to 15 pounds. Brown Trout If you plan a vacation to Mackinac Island, you will enjoy Lake Huron, one of the most stunning lakes in northern Michigan. "I've seen many 40-plus-inch pike come out of the Portage.". In late spring, target the outflows of rivers and streams that lead into the bay, like the Ogontz and Fishdam rivers and Garden Creek. John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo. The lake is deep and clear; the first Chippewa settlers named it Majinabeesh, which means sparkling water. Today, fishing and boating are both popular sports, and you can rent motor and silent sports boats at theB & B Sports Center and Marinain Roscommon. | Which is plenty. The shoreline can be just as good, so bank anglers have a decent chance of bringing in a few. As the fourth of the Great Lakes that surround Michigan, Lake Erie is one of the most accessible. A mix of pristine ponds and marshes, old farmsteads and thick hardwood forests surround Pontiac Lake, drawing the waterfowl that makes this area popular with duck hunters. Its covered in weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structure. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The Lake Michigan coastline on the state's western side has many beaches. Discover the best places to enjoy the water with our list of the top lakes in Michigan. They could be along structure or suspended over deeper water. Be sure to ask permission to go ashore on any of the bay's 53 named or countless unnamed islands, as many are privately owned. Casting with large spoons, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits is popular and should bring on strikes. Fat pike eager to eat anything in their way makes the fishing action fast and furious. Muskegon offers everything you need for a great trip. Take some time exploring the Inland Waterway connecting Mullett and Burt lakes. Lake St. Clair is one of the best lakes for boating in the state, with about 430 square miles, and communities that cater to life on the water. ALGER COUNTYJust south of M-28 between Munising and Marquette is Au Train Lake, a body of water that holds a plentiful supply of pike, as well as bluegills, yellow perch and walleyes. Art lovers have flocked to Kalamazoo Lake and its surroundings from across the Midwest for over a century. Key locations, according to Greenley, are off river mouths like the Peshtigo, Cedar and Menominee where post-spawn pike recuperate after spawning in the spring. Lake Erie has a number of islands that are fun to visit for day trips. One of the first ones that comes to mind would have to be South Lake Leelanau. Splash Into These 14 Inland Lakes in Michigan Clearly, we love our Michigan lakes, whether they are geat or small. Give a Gift Best Lakes for Ice Fishing: Black Lake, Mullett Lake, Portage Lake. Follow along on our Michigans Best adventures. With clearer and cleaner water and an abundance of forage, Lake St. Clair's pike population has exploded. Torch Lake . 25+ Best Inland Lakes in Michigan: Boating & Fishing There are many waterfront cottages to rent on the lake for a weekend or weeklong stay. No matter where you choose to vacation in Michigan, you are always close to a lake. Written by Anietra Hamper Updated May 4, 2023. The best way to cover water is trolling. They're among the most aggressive and widely distributed freshwater fish in the world -- kings of the cold water. This Michigans Best Inland Lake is known as the heart of the Great Lakes, Gun Lake in the Yankee Springs Recreational area is the winner of Michigan's Best Inland Lake in the Grand Rapids area. Dragging it back across the vegetation should trigger a massive strike. The lake has 56 miles of shoreline, so it is a great lake for boating and waterskiing but also for kayaking and canoeing in the smaller tributaries that feed into the lake. At this time of year, you will likely find them in shallow areas near weed beds, submerged logs, and other structures where they can ambush their prey. Lake Michigan has a rich maritime history and reaches the shores of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, standing out as the top waterfront attraction in Chicago. South of Sault Ste. Plan ahead as the spots fill up fast. Located in Muskegon, just northwest of Grand Rapids, pike have made a definite home here. Realtor - Broker Michelle Gordon with The Gordon Group, used with permission. 5. A 2007 netting survey conducted by the MDNR revealed that 22 percent of northerns in the Blind Sucker Flooding were greater than or equal to the legal size limit. Crooked Lake is a nice lake surrounded by the waterfront communities of Ponshewaing, Conway, and Oden in northern Michigan. Some of the most popular lures are the red and white Daredevil and the yellow 5-of-Diamonds Daredevil. Lake Leelanau in Leelanau County. Youll likely connect with several of them while fishing for pike. The post The 12 Best Fishing Lakes in Michigan appeared first on AZ Animals.Michigan is a dream fishing destination. Average temperatures during these months range from 76 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the sweet spot being mid-June through mid-August when you have the warmest air and water temperatures. This is why catching one is a very rewarding experience. All rights reserved (About Us). It is located close to Charlevoix and Traverse City in the Lower Peninsula. The Best Places to Go Fishing in Michigan - Read Travel Guides & Book Fishing is another popular activity on the lake. Anglers flock to Houghton Lake from the ice off in spring to late fall in pursuit of these toothy critters. If you want to suggest a future Michigans Best search or you have an idea for a story, feel free to email us. Clark Lake was selected by MLive readers as Best Inland Lake in the Jackson area. Its warm water, golden sand dunes and ample supply of vacation rentals, Silver Lake draws families all summer long. Medium to heavy-action rods and reels with a 40-pound-plus braided line and a steel leader should match up well against these ferocious critters. There are many waterfront restaurants, and the lake makes access easy to other ports. There's something for everyone at Torch Lake. If you are looking for a more secluded and quieter lake experience then Elk Lake is a nice option. Big Glen Lake has nice fishing for perch, lake trout, bass, and northern pike. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. These lakes cover a significant surface area, allowing anglers to spread out and find the perfect spot. Highlights: The deepest inland lake in Michigan, kayaking and swimming near the sandbars. With its deep waters and abundant forage, it has a massive population of northern pike. Known for their hyper-aggressive strikes, awesome fights, and colossal size, the northern pike is a must-catch fish. While we usually are eating the fish, we are also super interested in how to catch the fish that ply the lakes and rivers all over Michigan. Now a large sandbar separates them, but you can easily access Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands from this area. Saugatuck. "The lake has a lot of everything in it, but what you don't hear about is the pike. Devils Lake is a very good pike lake.". Also, check out any rocky points, submerged structures, and areas with submerged vegetation. Lake Michigan, with its vastness and depth, is teeming with various fish species, providing anglers with limitless opportunities for a successful fishing expedition. The glacial waters of Higgins Lake are so blue that it is hard to believe it is a lake and not the ocean. MUSKEGON LAKE Muskegon Lake has the ingredients for producing big northerns - excellent habitat and plenty of forage. There's no denying that sonar in its many forms is an invaluable tool for all anglers. With Toro's TimeCutter MyRIDE Zero Turn Mower, maintaining your lawn becomes effortless, leaving you more time to catch grouper and prepare a delightful fish dinner feast. "As the saying goes, big lakes produce big fish," said pike angler Bill Miller of Lake Linden. Michigan is home to countless species of fish flies, also known as mayflies, and many are expected to swarm lakeside communities near Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in the . The lake is 19 miles long, with several sandbars that are popular for swimming and socializing with others who are out on the water. Besides the quiet scene on Elk Lake, visitors are drawn to the glacial lake's beautiful blue water. Big Glen Lake and its sister waterway, Little Glen Lake were once a part of Lake Michigan during the ice age. Commonly associated with the weedy shallows of both the Great Lakes and inland waters. Irwin pulls oversized No. This quaint campground frames Pike Lake, wrapping around it's shoreline and making water access for kayaks and canoes directly available from most campsites. Trollers do well with muskie-sized Believers, T-3 Terminators, Husky Rapalas and other big plugs. Those narrows are a great place to rent a pontoon boat from The Narrows Yacht Club, join a rowing outing at centuries-oldFountain Point Resort, or slip your kayak in at the landing. What a lot of people don't know is that the river is full of pike during the fall, too. Its vast waters and ample supply of perch, smelt, lake herring and crayfish provide plenty of room and food for big pike to reach their potential. Some other fish include bluegill, perch, walleye, pike, and muskie. The 12 Best Fishing Lakes in Michigan | Flipboard This Michigans Best Inland Lake offers access to multiple waterways, and a tiki bar, Fireworks light up the night sky during the 2018 annual fireworks show at Whitmore Lake on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Devils Lake sees fairly heavy fishing pressure for pike during the winter, but most anglers who fish the lake during the open-water months are targeting panfish. As the ice melts and water temperatures rise, pike move into the shallows to fatten up after a slow winter. DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, 7 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Fishing Kayak, Tag the Best Pronghorn of Your Life This Season, Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Bass Crash Course: How to Use Forward-Facing Live Sonar, Act Fast: A Big Bluegill Bite Demands Your Attention, Grouper Success Starts With the Right Gear, Target Lighted Docks for a Snook-Filled Midsummer Night, As Seasons Change, Cutting It Just Right Creates More Time for Fishing, Bass Crash Course: Side-Imaging Fishing Sonar, Turkey-Hunting Brothers Part 2: Minnesota Spring Gobblers with Friends, Bass Crash Course: Down Imaging and 2D Sonar, Turkey-Hunting Brothers Part 1: Texas Comes to Minnesota. Just outside of Detroit is Lake St. Clair, which creates a freshwater boundary between the shores of Michigan and Canada. (Ben Allan Smith | MLive.com) Photos by Ben Allan SmithPhotos by Ben Allan Smith, Great fishing, boating and a popular restaurant make this lakes tops in the Ann Arbor region, A man runs his wooden boat across Gull Lake. Several of Michigans premier pike lakes offer shallows full of weeds and sunken logs, deep areas for more extreme seasons, and all the bait fish a hungry pike could want. Trophy fish are going to be few and far between most days if you're after really big pike, but when you nail one, it's likely to give you a battle you're not likely to soon forget. Michigan's Top Inland Walleye Lakes October 04, 2010 Here are some of Michigan's top inland lakes for catching walleyes and a few techniques to use when you get there. Tom Irwin at (231) 788-6612. And the lake has a ton of pike in it.". Since it is the largest of the Great Lakes, you can expect great conditions for all types of water recreation. Lake Charlevoix is a nice family-friendly lake, with several white-sand beaches. Highlight: The lake's stunning blue water is clear enough for snorkeling. For good boat launches and hefty pike, fish Raber, Eller, Fowler and Munuscong Bays.
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