Ludington Area Fishing
Fish for the Big One in Ludington
Fishing in the Ludington area is nothing short of spectacular. The waters between the Big Sable Point and the Little Sable Point offer some of the best fishing anywhere in the state. While our “big lake” fishing is definitely something to brag about, our inland lakes and rivers also offer the opportunity to reel in more than one “fish story.” Here’s an idea of what you can expect each month in the Ludington area:
March and April launch the spring season with steelhead catches in the Pere Marquette River and suckers that are plentiful from the crossroads and bridges. The cool nights of April bring smelt dippers out with their lights and nets to bring in bucket loads of the silvery fish. Walleye season begins in late April on Hamlin Lake and the 600,000 walleye planted there in the past years mean success for anglers today.
Late April kicks off the northern pike, muskie and trout season. Brook, rainbow, and brown trout are ready for the catching in the Pere Marquette River and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
May and June are great for charter fishing as the brown trout, lake trout and some salmon and steelhead are prevalent. Fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River during this time of year is excellent. June is the time for perch fishing along the rocky waters off the Consumers Power Plant and on the inland lakes of Hamlin, Lincoln, and Pere Marquette. This is also the season for fine crappie and pike fishing on the inland lakes.
July and August are King salmon months and action is fast and furious. Charter boats often angle for salmon in the morning then move offshore to reel in a few steelhead to throw on the grill as well.
September is the month when thousands of mature salmon and steelhead mass off the river mouths for their annual migration upstream. On the inland lakes, crappie, blue gill, and small mouth bass fishing are excellent.
October brings steelhead catches on the Pere Marquette River. These jumpers are lively and, with minimal boat traffic at this time of year, the catches are even better for anglers.
During the autumn steelhead and salmon runs, anglers line the banks of the Big Sable River which courses through the Ludington State Park. This mile-long stretch from Hamlin Lake is a favorite as the catches are definitely worth writing home about.
Once the ice freezes in December, venture out onto Hamlin Lake for some blue gill or walleye fishing. January kicks off the northern pike spearing season and Hamlin, Pere Marquette, and Lincoln Lakes offer plenty of action. February and March bring crappie action on Hamlin Lake where perch, walleye, and bluegills also can be found.
Area sports shops provide licenses, equipment, and up-to-date information on ice and fishing conditions. So this season, don’t let that big one get away--it’s waiting for you in the Ludington area!