Fishing Lake Leelanau

AKA: North Lake Leelanau, South Leelanau Lake

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

Lake Leelanau, MI

Popular Fish Species Lake Leelanau, MI

Lake Leelanau Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Lake Leelanau, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. 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, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits around rip rap. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good management by the fish and game department, a healthy population of walleye are now thriving in the waters of Lake Leelanau this year. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate on flats and ledges off the river channels. The best results for catching walleye here is most often by trolling, however casting live bait, jigs, worms, spoons and deep-diving crankbaits also work 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 prior to icing over.

Lake Leelanau Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Lake Leelanau has a very healthy population of yellow perch. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Use a simple hook, line and sinker on 6 to 10-pound line using minnows, worms or small jigs. 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 Leelanau Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass and yellow perch at Lake Leelanau in Michigan.

Less than a mile inland from Lake Michigan, Lake Leelanau is a 14,000-acre lake in the northwest corner of the lower MI peninsula, 10 miles northeast of Traverse City. The 41 miles of shoreline are the focus of attention, both on and off the water.

The lake is known for its populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and a variety of panfish. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or venture out on a boat to target these prized catches, creating memorable fishing experiences amidst the scenic beauty of Lake Leelanau.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Leelanau

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Leelanau Amenities

Marina: NO
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

PlayNorth Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 357-3790

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bingham Boat (DNR East) Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off E Bingham Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Leelanau DNR North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off N Lake Leelanau Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake Leelanau DNR West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Skyline Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

The Narrows DNR Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the Narrows, east side, off N Eagle Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.