Northern Michigan’s World-Class Fishery
Northern Michigan’s world-class fishery is unique due to two primary timeframes that produce the most opportune conditions for both trophies and quantity. The spring and fall are the prime seasons for success on these deep, crystalline waters.
Once April arrives, the season truly begins. Cold water keeps the fish condensed, and since they haven't seen a bait in months, the prespawn action is spectacular. This window carries through May and often lasts until mid-to-late June, offering some of the best fishing of the year.
What We Target
Smallmouth Bass
Lake Trout
King Salmon
Coho Salmon
Summer
Summer
Summer
Spring & Fall
Vertical jigging for hard-fighting trout ranging from 10 to 25+ lbs. Excellent table fare for the cooler.
Chinook (King) salmon typically range from 15 to 20 lbs, with trophy-sized fish reaching up to 30 lbs.
A high-action fishery providing exhilarating saltwater-style jigging and casting when present.
Targeting trophy smallmouth bass during their aggressive prespawn phase and fall schooling periods.
When to Fish with Us
Spring Smallmouth (April–Mid/Late June)
The season officially begins in April. As winter recedes, cold waters condense the fish, making for exceptional prespawn action that carries through mid-to-late June. During this three-month window, we target depths ranging from 2 to 40 feet. Once spawning starts in June, we shift our focus to prespawn or post-spawn fish adjacent to the main spawning áreas. We believe the pressure and stress of fishing for spawning fish is traumatic to the longevity of the fishery, and our conservation-minded approach ensures it remains a world-class destination for years to come.
Summer Salmon & Lake Trout (July–August)
From July through August, we transition from smallmouth to celebrate some of the peak periods of our alternative fisheries. Lake Trout vertical jigging offers an exhilarating fight on light gear, with fish ranging from 10 to 25+ pounds. August is especially strong for both salmon and lake trout, providing some of the most consistent and high-action fishing of the year. Our King Salmon trolling is a hands-on experience involving you in everything from setting lines to netting trophy fish. Chinook typically range around 15–20 pounds, with any given day offering the potential for a 30-pound monster. All gear and professional fish cleaning are provided.
Fall Smallmouth (Late September–Mid November)
By the last week of September, cooling waters trigger these fish to school up and feed aggressively for the winter months ahead. We utilize a technical variety of methods: umbrella rigs, swimbaits, drop shots, jerk baits, and ned rigs. While the fall bite is not for the faint of heart due to localized and finicky windows, it is the ideal time to land the biggest fish of the year. With a little talent and hard-earned luck, late September through mid-November offers opportunities for trophy-sized results that are truly irreplaceable.