Fishing Manistique Lake

AKA: Big Manistique Lake

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

Popular Fish Species Manistique Lake, MI

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Manistique Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Manistique Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like 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. One of the proven methods 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 rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Manistique Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Manistique Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly 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 drop-shot rigs, 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.

Manistique Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, brook trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Manistique Lake in Michigan.

Well known for quality walleye fishing, Manistique Lake is a 10,100-acre lake in the eastern part of the upper Michigan peninsula, at Lakefield. There are actually three lakes here - Big Manistique Lake, North Manistique Lake and South Manistique Lake. The lake has abundant populations of walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and panfish. Peak seasons are spring/summer, and ice fishing in winter once there is safe ice.

Primary fish species residing in Manistique Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Manistique Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NEARBY
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

Fish And Hunt Shop
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
906 586-9531

Watsons Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
906 586-9731

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

County Road 480 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off County Road 480, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Manistique Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off Cook's Bay Access, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Manistique Lake Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Manistique Lake Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.