When the pike fishing cools off, turn your attention to the excellent steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River. This lake is great for water skiing and knee-boarding. 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. Try upstream from Insta Launch Campground to Rainbow Bend for the best pike action. Saugatuck. 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. The Muskegon River provides the perfect habitat for these predatory fish. The lake has no minimum size restriction, and anglers can keep up to five pike per day. Higgins Lake is a beautiful lake for pike fishing. They're among the most aggressive and widely distributed freshwater fish in the world -- kings of the cold water. Remember that plastic worms aren't just for bass fishing -- pike love them too. 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. For more details on Green Bay's giant pike, contact R&B Pro Tackle at (906) 863-4650. Photo Courtesy of rodtorres3. For lodging information, contact the Bay City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (989) 893-1222 or visit www.tourbaycitymi.org. Featured Species: Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill. Learn how to implement this highly efficient fishing electronics to find and catch more fish. A spring turkey hunt in Minnesota with Thomas Allen and his brother-in-law Ben Molstre led to the tagging of this hefty gobbler. | Its covered in weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structure. With nearly 65,000 lakes and the . Muskegon Lake has excellent fishing access points, including multiple public boat launches, marinas, and fishing piers. Highlights: A family-friendly lake and one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan. 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. 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. Thomas Allen concludes an awesome wild-turkey hunt in Minnesota with longtime friends Jeremy King and Derek Spitzer: "We loved every minute of it.". The narrows is popular for both wildlife viewing and wine. Continue reading to discover the absolute best lakes in Michigan for your next freshwater adventure. This is why catching one is a very rewarding experience. For those who want less traffic on the waters, try Lake Beaufort near the town of Three Lakes and King Lake near Covington. Rocky shoals, submerged vegetation, weed beds, and drop-offs make ideal hiding spots for northern pike. Michigan also has thousands of inland lakes, some of them glacial lakes and some man-made. Anglers who like to cast will find that jumbo spinnerbaits and crankbaits will work, too. Or find your creative inspiration at a lakeside gallery like Water Street, Thistle and Saugatuck Galleries. Big Glen Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Michigan. Michigan's state record is a 39-pound monster that has been unsurpassed since 1961. The forests and waterfalls encompass the natural lakes in the Upper Peninsula, while majestic sand dunes border many of the lakes in the Lower Peninsula. You will see many vacation homes and rentals around the lake, so it is ideal if you want to plan a vacation on the waterfront and have everything right outside your door. Clearly, we love our Michigan lakes, whether they are geat or small. Surrounded by three Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Huron), the Upper Peninsula's freshwater greatness doesn't stop there. John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo. Casting jerkbaits, spoons, or topwater lures can be particularly effective in these areas. Black Lake is the only place in the state where you can spear the ancient Lake Sturgeon, once endangered but brought back to a healthy population with the ongoing protection of a preservation group called Sturgeon for Tomorrow. Catching a 15-pound beast is a decent day, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up here and there. The rivers in Michigan can provide this experience. Pike Lake State Forest Campground-Luce | Michigan 1. Use in-line boards pulling jumbo Rapalas, Rebels, Bombers or medium-sized muskie baits. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lake Michigan, with its vastness and depth, is teeming with various fish species, providing anglers with limitless opportunities for a successful fishing expedition. Follow along on our Michigans Best adventures. Burt Lake is one of the best spots in Michigan to catch walleye, as they are bountiful here. 19 of the Best Lakes in Michigan for an Ideal Getaway - The Best Travel They remain motionless for hours, lying in wait for their prey. Hit these spots in the early morning or late evening with large swimbaits and spinnerbaits. It is located close to Charlevoix and Traverse City in the Lower Peninsula. Use that to your advantage and be on the water early. From traditional favorites, to. It is a popular place for diving, as there are a number of shipwrecks beneath the surface. 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. Historically, it was a shipping channel between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, but today it is a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. Big Glen Lake has nice fishing for perch, lake trout, bass, and northern pike. Highlight: A top recreational lake for activities like boating and diving. No matter where you choose to vacation in Michigan, you are always close to a lake. There are often sailboat races and regattas that take place on Lake Muskegon in the summer. Our team went through about 51257 reviews available online for Pike Fishing Lakes In Michigan.We chose the finest ones, and prepared this list for you. Gaze over it from a fresh fish dinner on the deck at classicChamberlin's Ole Forest Innor your cabin atBig Manistique Resort. Flocks of bald eagles, great horned owls, trumpeter swans and bluebirds frequent the stations Bird Sanctuary. Whether you have your own boat or prefer fishing from the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and fish this lake. Whether your idea of a perfect lake getaway includes a sailboat or ice fishing gear, a kayak or a picnic basket, theres plenty of reason to visit Michigans inland lakes. North Leelanau is the smaller section and South Leelanau is the larger area, but both have water recreation. "I mean, these things were huge! We are so proud of each and every Michigan lake that was nominated. Theyre fattening up, so live bait and swimbaits tend to work well. There's something for everyone at Torch Lake. Commonly associated with the weedy shallows of both the Great Lakes and inland waters. Not a fishing fan? There are plenty of hotels, lodges, and resorts on the lake, with all the food, tackle, and other amenities youll need. There are many waterfront cottages to rent on the lake for a weekend or weeklong stay. Highlights: A popular lake for a getaway with waterfront vacation homes. GREEN BAY The fertile water of Green Bay near Menominee is another location that is a consistent big-pike producer. Cast a spoon, spinner, or live bait to entice these pike. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Casting large spoons, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits near weed edges or drop-offs can trigger a strike. Lake Michigan is a 22,400 square miles lake stretched between Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Highlight: The lake's stunning blue water is clear enough for snorkeling. Weed beds, underwater structure, drop-offs, and plenty of shallow flats deliver prime fishing spots likely to hold these prized fish. Houghton Lakes unique characteristics make it an ideal habitat for these fierce fish. The 2021 guide to Michigan's Best Inland Lakes - mlive.com Greenley recommended using giant baits for the biggest pike. The Big Manistee River produced this big northern for Mark Price. These lakes cover a significant surface area, allowing anglers to spread out and find the perfect spot. They're usually the solitary anglers trolling huge crankbaits off in-line boards far away from the group of anglers targeting walleyes or panfish. TheKellogg Biological Stationon Gull Lakes eastern shore is popular with birders. The waters are so clear that it is common to see people snorkeling. Fishing report: Good catches of salmon seen across Michigan You can start your day at the South Higgins Lake State Park as well and will find additional areas with dense underwater vegetation and weed beds. Known for their hyper-aggressive strikes, awesome fights, and colossal size, the northern pike is a must-catch fish. Make quick work of your lawn with the Toro Z Master 2000 Zero Turn Mower. With shipwrecks in the hundreds, Lake Huron is great for divers looking to explore what lies below the surface. Learn how to implement this highly efficient fishing electronics to find and catch more fish. While most people think of fishing the Great Lakes from a . For more information on the Bays de Noc pike, contact the DNR Escanaba field office at (906) 786-2351. There's no denying that sonar in its many forms is an invaluable tool for all anglers. "It has excellent pike habitat, fairly good natural reproduction and that steady supply of forage that you need to grow big pike.". You may also discover first-hand that Lake Huron also has a good population of muskies that take a liking to most of the same lures youll throw for pike. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the current regulations for northern pike. We also had lakes top out at the expected top spot, like Gun Lake in the Grand Rapids region. Where is the best pike fishing in Michigan? - Safe Harbor Fishing Michigan Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2023) 10 Best Northern Pike Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Michigan The west side has a public beach and less cover for the pike. 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. 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. In rivers, they are often found around log jams or fallen timber. Spring and early summer are prime times for northern pike fishing in these lakes. The natural lake has beautiful beaches and warm water for swimming. This fish is highly prized for its firm, white flesh, and mild . Irwin said a key is to use your electronics to locate schools of baitfish. The lake is located close to Cheboygan, where you can stay if you want to make a base in the city. If you like to kayak along water trails, you can access the Inland Waterway chain from Burt Lake. Most are after walleyes or brown trout.". Photo provided by Katie Spezia.Photo provided by Katie Spezia, used with permission. The Best Places to Go Fishing in Michigan - Read Travel Guides & Book These are your best months for warm beach weather, access to recreational rentals that are open for things like kayaks, attractions and amenities that are fully open, and ferries that are running to the islands.