The Best Fishing Lakes in Michigan for Every Type of Angler

With a nickname of “the Great Lakes State,” it should come as no surprise that Michigan is a compelling fishing destination. The only U.S. state to border four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Erie, Michigan, and Huron—Michigan is divided into two peninsulas, the Upper and the Lower Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula is often referred to as “the mitten” due to its shape.

Top Five Fishing Lakes in Michigan

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes each of these lakes special, the species they’re known for, tips for finding fish, and advice for making your trip successful—whether you’re an ice fishing fanatic or an open-water enthusiast.

1. Houghton Lake

Key Species:

• Panfish
• Walleye
• Bluegill
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass
• Yellow perch
• Crappie
• Northern pike

Why It’s Famous: Houghton Lake is Michigan’s largest inland lake, spanning 22,000 acres, and is also one of the shallowest, with a marked maximum depth just topping 20 feet. This broad, shallow landscape makes Houghton an ideal environment for many sportfish, including panfish, walleye, bluegill, and pike, thanks to bountiful weed cover and quickly-warming water temperatures in the springtime. The lake is easy to access thanks to nearby US-127 and I-75, and boasts several well-developed campgrounds.

Ice Fishing: Houghton Lake is a popular ice fishing destination, with a season typically running from December to March. Anglers typically target pike, perch, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and walleye through the ice. All ice fishing shelters must be removed from the ice by March 15 each year, and ice anglers should be sure to watch ice fishing thickness as the season draws to a close.

Open Water Fishing: Due to its shallow depth and ideal fishery conditions, Houghton Lake is home to a variety of smaller fish that provide plenty of food for larger, predatory fish, including pike and bass. Pike nearing 40 inches have been caught in the lake, and the population is so healthy that fisheries biologists have set a five-fish-per-day bag limit.

Early in the season, walleye anglers can find great success trolling, pulling crankbaits over the top of developing plant life or on the outside edges. As the weeds grow thicker throughout the season, look for walleye, bass, and other species to establish themselves on inside turns and points of weedy flats and eventually offshore structure. The North Bay of the lake often warms first, and fishes well early in the season before it gets excessively weedy as summer wanes on. When late summer hits and the shoreline vegetation is too thick, it’s time to head into the deeper waters in the center of the lake.

Insider Tip: Avid ice fishermen can look forward to the yearly ice fishing event called Tip-Up Town USA, a weeklong event usually held in January, which includes a popular ice fishing contest.

2. Lake St. Clair

Key Species:

• Smallmouth and largemouth bass
• Panfish
• Musky
• Walleye
• Lake sturgeon
• Yellow perch
• Northern pike

Why It’s Famous: Just six miles from the city of Detroit, Lake St. Clair spans 430 square miles and, teamed with both the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie. The lake is known for having clear, shallow water and producing good numbers of sport fish for both open water and ice fishing seasons.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is popular on Lake St. Clair, especially around Fair Haven. Access is plentiful and easy, with Fair Haven DNR Launch Ramp and the Raft Bar being among the most popular access sites. Carefully watch ice conditions throughout the season to ensure it’s safe to access. Early morning and late evening can be productive times for walleye anglers, and smallmouth bass are a popular ice fishing target for this lake.

Open Water Fishing: Anglers targeting musky should look for the toothy critters in the shallow waters of the lake; there are many musky in the waters of Lake St. Clair, and, when the season peaks in late spring and mid-autumn, large musky can be found here. Walleye are another popular sportfish, with flaky white meat and a fun challenge for anglers. Lake St. Clair is also famous for its smallmouth bass population, and smallie anglers can find plenty of fish throughout the lake.

Insider Tip: Lake St. Clair has been termed “one of the best—if not the best—smallmouth bass fisheries in the world by the Bassmaster News. Anglers can find good success targeting the species around river channels during the spring and summer months. Part of what keeps this lake so healthy is the flow of water from the St. Clair River and Detroit River from the Great Lakes, so embrace the flow of nutrients and cool water during the hot summer months.

3. Torch Lake

Key Species:

• Lake trout
• Musky
• Smallmouth bass
• Yellow perch
• Northern pike
• Walleye
• Rock bass
• Rainbow trout
• Lake herring

Why It’s Famous: One of Michigan’s most scenic lakes, Torch Lake is home to a variety of species. Covering more than 19,000 acres, it holds plenty of water to accommodate anglers from the shore as well as with a variety of boats. The northern end of the lake is shallower and often boasts good weed beds, which provide good structure for fish in the summer and autumn months. The southern end of the lake has a rocky shoreline and weedy bottom, making it another productive angling target. Several public access points and boat launches, including Lake Linden Village Park and Bootjack, help anglers spread out along and minimize pressure.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishermen head to Torch Lake in the cold-weather months to target lake trout, burbot, and whitefish. It’s also a popular recreational area for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and is a good area for families to spend a winter weekend. Of note, it is advised that no lake trout over 28 inches caught in Torch Lake should be eaten, due to high levels of pesticides, oil, and metals. Torch Conservation Center provides guidelines for anglers.

Open Water Fishing: Lake trout are a favorite target of Torch Lake anglers, and can be targeted well by downrigging through the deeper waters of the lake. Live bait can be used for a variety of fish throughout the seasons, and jigging works well for walleye, lake trout, and other residents of the lake. For those targeting the more predatory species, such as northern pike and bass, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and crankbaits can bring explosive strikes.

Insider Tip: Head east. The eastern shore of the lake historically produces the largest fish, thanks to drop-offs. Target water depths between 20 and 30 feet as you jig or use live bait to target walleye and smallmouth.

4. Gun Lake

Key Species:

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass
• Yellow perch
• Bluegill
• Walleye
• Northern pike
• Crappie
• Musky

Why It’s Famous: Gun Lake is known as “All Sports Lake,” which designates its popularity for boating, tubing, sailing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing… anything and everything that’s fun on the water. The lake covers 2,727 acres and has a maximum depth of 68 feet, and is part of the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, a 5,200-acre park with outdoor recreation opportunities. Easy public access points allow for good shore fishing for those without watercraft, and the lake hosts several bass fishing tournaments throughout the year. An additional county access ramp on the southwestern shore offers more access.

Ice Fishing: Gun Lake’s popularity can make for busy ice fishing weekends in the winter, but thanks to several access points, it’s still a good option for getting out on the ice. Focus on the lake’s two basins (east and west), which are separated by a large point on the northeast side. As always, be mindful of ice thickness early and late in the season.

Open Water Fishing: According to the Gun Lake Protective Association, recent surveys by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources report “high densities of northern pike with average growth, a prolific yellow perch fishery, and a growing walleye population.” The lake is supported by three cooperative walleye rearing ponds, which are helping to improve the walleye fishery. Gun Lake receives a fair bit of fishing pressure, but remains a good option for a fun weekend on the water.

Insider Tip: Gun Lake can be a wonderful lake for a family weekend getaway, as it’s popular with anglers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts alike. Kids can have a wonderful time targeting bluegill on weed beds, as well as cruising bass. There’s always the hope of a musky, too, just to keep things interesting.

5. Lake Gogebic

Key Species:

• Black crappie
• Burbot
• Walleye
• Northern pike
• Smallmouth bass
• Yellow perch

Why It’s Famous: The largest natural island lake on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Lake Gogebic is located within the massive, one million-acre Ottawa National Forest. The lake covers 13,380 acres, with an average depth of 17.5 feet and a maximum depth of 38 feet. More than 34 miles of shoreline means there are plenty of opportunities for those without boats.

Ice Fishing: Ice anglers are drawn to Lake Gogebic by the bountiful, large perch population. During the winter season, target these jumbo perch or “Teeter Pigs” at depths around 24-30 feet, where you might also find walleye. Vertical jigging and tip-ups are popular methods, and don’t be afraid to hole hop and move around throughout the day.

Open Water Fishing: Lake Gogebic is known for good numbers of walleye, including many fish in the 15-19 inch range. It’s also famous for “jumbo” perch reaching more than a foot in length; between the two species as well as a good whitefish population, Gogebic is a good lake to target if you’re looking to catch dinner and put some fish in the freezer. Fish along the west shoreline if you’re looking to target northern pike, and smallmouth bass can be found along weed beds throughout the lake, as well as the rocky drop-offs on the eastern shore.

Insider Tip: Lake Gogebic has a daily possession limit for yellow perch: 25 fish per day per angler, with no more than five fish 12 inches or more. There is no closed season for yellow perch on this lake, and general State of Michigan fishing regulations apply.

Tips for Fishing Michigan’s Top Five Lakes

• Check Regulations with onX Fish: Each lake can have specific fishing regulations, including slot limits, size restrictions, and season closures. Always verify the rules before heading out.  
• Let onX be your Guide: If you’re new to a lake or targeting a specific species, let the onX Fish Midwest App get you up to speed on your species of interest through abundance, keeper, and trophy opportunities. Find information about where to launch, forage in the lake, and recent aerial imagery to help winter and summer anglers alike. In ten minutes, we aim to give you the equivalent of 10 years experience on the ground.      
• Gear Up for the Season: Summer anglers should pack trolling setups, casting rods, and live bait rigs, while ice anglers need sturdy augers, warm fishing gear, and sonar.  
• Be Prepared for Weather: Michigan weather can change rapidly, especially in winter, so keep onX Fish Midwest handy to see exact weather forecasts for your exact location. Dress in layers, and always check forecasts before heading onto the ice or water. 

Michigan’s fishing legacy lives on in these incredible lakes. Whether you’re chasing walleyes under a frozen surface, casting for smallmouth bass in summer, or hunting muskies in the fall, these waters promise unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip today, and you’ll understand why anglers return to these storied lakes year after year.  

Tight lines!