Fishing Lake Charlevoix

AKA: Charlevoix Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Charlevoix Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Lake Charlevoix, MI

Popular Fish Species Lake Charlevoix, MI

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass grow big in Lake Charlevoix, and are a favorite of many locals, especially in spring and summer. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, focus your fishing time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Charlevoix again this year. May and June are the best months for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Yellow Perch Fishing

As a major forage fish in Lake Charlevoix, yellow perch have been a mainstay for anglers and predator fish alike. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

Lake Charlevoix Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Charlevoix in Michigan.

Fantastic views and great fishing make Lake Charlevoix an ideal destination for anglers and vacationers. This 17,200-acre lake in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula, at Charlevoix, has 56 miles of shoreline. Lake Charlevoix is home to smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and a variety of panfish. Check out fishing reports for popular species at Lake Charlevoix. Access to the shore for fishing is available at parks, campgrounds and public areas around the lake. In winter, when the ice is safe, trout, perch, walleye, pike and sunfish are all available to those who enjoy ice fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Charlevoix

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Charlevoix Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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