Fishing Lake Charlevoix

AKA: Charlevoix Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Charlevoix Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Charlevoix, MI

Popular Fish Species Lake Charlevoix, MI

Lake Charlevoix Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

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.

Lake Charlevoix Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Boyne Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 881-6000

Summertime Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
231 547-7700

Tommy's at Lake Charlevoix
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 535-6039

Ward Brothers Boats
Rentals: Pontoon boats
231 547-2371

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Boyne City Municipal Ramp Boating Access Site
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off N Kake Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Charlevoix Municipal Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Stover Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Dutchmans Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the east side of the South Bay, off Dutchmans Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ironton Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Sweetbrier Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp gravel parking.

Sportsmen Club Boat Launch Ramp
Located at the south end of the South Bay, off Water Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

State Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Young State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Park Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Charlevoix Marina
100 Clinton St
Charlevoix, MI 49720
231 547-3272