Fishing Hamlin Lake

AKA: Hamlin Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Hamlin Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
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Hamlin Lake, MI

Popular Fish Species Hamlin Lake, MI

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Hamlin Lake this year. May and June tend to be the better time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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.

Hamlin Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big fish with big teeth tend to attract anglers. Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Hamlin Lake. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.

Hamlin Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Hamlin Lake offers very good smallmouth bass fishing. Many locals appreciate the smallmouth population at their disposal to pursue, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Hamlin Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, tiger muskie and northern pike at Hamlin Lake in Michigan.

Hamlin Lake, nestled in the beautiful Ludington State Park in western Michigan, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable angling experience. Spanning over 4,990 acres, this scenic lake offers fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. Hamlin Lake is known for its abundant populations of walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish. Stretching over 12 miles longanglers can explore over 30 miles of shoreline from a boat or on land at various access points around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Hamlin Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Hamlin Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Hamlin Lake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
231 843-8497

Waterside Resort & Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
231 843-2090

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hamlin Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off County Road 116, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

USFS Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off W Nurnberg Road, this is a one-lane, primitive launch with gravel parking.

Wilson Hill Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Beech Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.