Anglers come from all over the world to fish in Michigan. Home to four of the five Great Lakes, over 11,000 inland lakes and miles of rivers and streams, Michigan contains many species of fish, and the tourist industry welcomes nonresidents for fishing. Whether you are after a good fight with a big trophy fish or a mess of pan fish for a great meal, you will find what you're looking for in Michigan.
Great Lakes Fishing
Lake Erie is the shallowest Great Lake and the farthest south. It is known to hold an abundance of walleye, perch, trout, catfish, smelt and walleye. Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is home to walleye, trout, pike, sturgeon, whitefish, salmon, bass, smelt, perch and other pan fish. Lake Michigan extends down Michigan's west coast. Walleye, bass, catfish, muskie, pike, sturgeon, trout, perch and other pan fish make Lake Michigan their home, but it is best known for the large salmon population that occupies the lake to feed on the alewife there. Trout are sought after in Lake Huron on Michigan's east coast, which also contains walleye, bass, catfish, pike, muskie, perch and other pan fish.
Regulations
Michigan visitors 17 and older must purchase a nonresident fishing license, which is sold at bait shops, sporting goods stores and online. You will receive a fishing guide with updated regulations for the current year with your fishing license. or you can view one online. While you can fish for trout, salmon, catfish and pan fish year-round, the state sets times of year you can fish for other species. You must follow the daily possession limits and size limits.
Geography
Since you're never far from a body of water in Michigan, you can fish in nearly whatever area you visit. Rivers and streams all over the state have populations of trout, pike and salmon. Many inland lakes and ponds hold a lot of walleye, catfish, pike, bass, perch and other pan fish.
Fishing Methods
You can fish all over Michigan from shore, boats, piers or docks. Most fish can be caught with artificial baits such as spoons, lures or plugs or live bait including nightcrawlers, insects or minnows on hooks and jigs. Use a crawler harness for walleye and bottom divers and spinners for bass. Fly fish or troll for salmon and trout.
Fish Hatcheries
Michigan relies on its sport fishing industry, so the state takes steps to ensure large, healthy populations of fish for residents and nonresidents. Six hatcheries hatch, raise, mark and release fish, including walleye, salmon, trout, catfish, muskie, pike and sturgeon, into designated areas.
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