The 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Northern Michigan

Discover the best fishing lakes in Northern Michigan with this guide. Learn about the top spots to cast a line and what species of fish you can catch. Get all the information you need to plan your next fishing trip and make the most out of your time on the water.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the second largest of the five Great Lakes, with a shoreline of 1150 miles in Michigan. It is known for its many beaches and access to cities such as Grand Rapids and Holland.

Types of Fish: Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Large Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, and perch
Types of Fishing: Trolling, casting, bottom fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local charter services
Closest Hotels: Various hotels located in Grand Rapids, Holland, and other cities along Lake Michigan’s Michigan shoreline
Nearest Fishing Store: Local bait & tackle shops and outdoor retail stores, located within a few miles of many Lake Michigan shoreline cities
Fishing Regulations: Fishermen in Michigan must abide by the state regulations on size limits, catch limits, and conservation restrictions
Amenities of the lake: Lake Michigan offers many attractions and activities, such as stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and bird watching
Nearest Gas Station: Gas stations located within a few miles of many Lake Michigan shoreline cities

Lake Huron

Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes and is the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world. It has a shoreline of over 1,300 miles in Michigan.

Types of Fish: Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Herring
Types of Fishing: Trolling, casting, bottom fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local charter services
Closest Hotels: Various hotels located in cities along Lake Huron’s Michigan shoreline, such as Port Huron, Harbor Beach, and Tawas City
Nearest Fishing Store: Local bait & tackle shops and outdoor retail stores, located within a few miles of many Lake Huron shoreline cities
Fishing Regulations: Fishermen in Michigan must abide by the state regulations on size limits, catch limits, and conservation restrictions
Amenities of the lake: Lake Huron offers many attractions and activities, such as swimming, boating, and bird watching
Nearest Gas Station: Gas stations located within a few miles of many Lake Huron shoreline cities

Mullett Lake

Mullett Lake is located east of Lake Huron in Cheboygan County and is the largest inland lake in Michigan. It has a shoreline of 45 miles and covers 23,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill and Muskie
Types of Fishing: Trolling, casting, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local marinas and bait & tackle shops
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local charter services
Closest Hotels: Various hotels located in towns and cities such as Cheboygan, Indian River, and Wolverine
Nearest Fishing Store: Local bait & tackle shop located in Indian River, approximately 6 miles away
Fishing Regulations: Fishermen in Michigan must abide by the state regulations on size limits, catch limits, and conservation restrictions
Amenities of the lake: Mullett Lake offers many attractions and activities, such as boating, swimming, and fishing
Nearest Gas Station: Gas stations located in Indian River, Cheboygan, and Wolverine, all located within 10 miles of Mullett Lake

Burt Lake

Burt Lake is located near Petoskey in northern Michigan. It is approximately 7,000 acres in size and has a shoreline of 21 miles.

Types of Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill and Perch
Types of Fishing: Trolling, casting, bottom fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local marinas and bait & tackle shops
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local charter services
Closest Hotels: Various hotels located in Petoskey, Indian River, and other towns near Burt Lake
Nearest Fishing Store: Local bait & tackle shop located in Indian River, approximately 8 miles away
Fishing Regulations: Fishermen in Michigan must abide by the state regulations on size limits, catch limits, and conservation restrictions
Amenities of the lake: Burt Lake offers many attractions and activities, such as kayaking, swimming, sailing, and fishing
Nearest Gas Station: Gas stations located in Petoskey, Indian River, and other towns near Burt Lake, all located within 12 miles

Lake Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix is located near Boyne City in Charlevoix County, Michigan. It is over 35,000 acres in size and has a shoreline of 45 miles.

Types of Fish: Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, and Bluegill
Types of Fishing: Trolling, casting, bottom fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local marinas and bait & tackle shops
Fishing Guide Service: Available through local charter services
Closest Hotels: Various hotels located in Boyne City and other towns near Lake Charlevoix
Nearest Fishing Store: Local bait & tackle shop located in Boyne City, approximately 8 miles away
Fishing Regulations: Fishermen in Michigan must abide by the state regulations on size limits, catch limits, and conservation restrictions
Amenities of the lake: Lake Charlevoix offers many attractions and activities, such as swimming, sailing, and fishing
Nearest Gas Station: Gas stations located in Boyne City, Petoskey, and other towns near Lake Charlevoix, all located within 12 miles

Find Good Fishing Spots in Northern Michigan and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for a great fishing experience in Northern Michigan, the Google map below can help you find the perfect spot! Explore the many lakes and rivers that the region has to offer and find the perfect spot to spend a day fishing. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the deepest depths of Lake Huron, the Northern Michigan area has a range of fishing locations to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this map will help you find the best spot for a successful day of fishing. So take a look at the map and discover the fishing possibilities that Northern Michigan has to offer!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Northern Michigan

The weather in Northern Michigan is typically mild with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to mid-50s throughout the year. During the summer months, the temperatures are generally moderate, with an occasional heatwave. During the winter months, temperatures can dip into the single digits, but snowfall is usually light. This makes sport fishing possible throughout the year in Northern Michigan.