Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, spans over 22,000 square miles and is a year-round angling haven. From trout and salmon to perch and bass, the lake offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, especially during the warmer months. With summer in full swing, here are five of the best fishing spots on Lake Michigan to target for serious catches and great views.
1. St. Joseph, Michigan
Located on the southeastern corner of the lake, St. Joseph is a hotspot for salmon and trout during summer. King salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead can be caught using downriggers while trolling deep waters. The river mouth and pier are also known for smallmouth bass and walleye action.
Pro Tip: Early mornings and evenings provide cooler water temperatures and better bites—ideal for trolling spoons and flashers.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee offers urban access to world-class fishing. The breakwalls and harbor areas are productive for brown trout and Chinook salmon, while deeper waters just offshore hold lake trout throughout the summer.
Trending Tactic: Jigging with spoons near thermal breaks or using dipsy divers to reach depths where baitfish school up is currently hot among locals.
3. Ludington, Michigan
Famous for its salmon runs, Ludington is a prime summer fishing destination. Charter boats frequently report heavy catches of coho and Chinook salmon as well as lake trout. The shelf drop-offs offshore concentrate fish all summer.
What’s Working Now: Multi-line spreads using dodgers, flies, and meat rigs are proving effective as the lake’s surface temperatures warm.
4. Green Bay, Wisconsin
This large bay on Lake Michigan’s western edge is a smallmouth bass paradise. In summer, bass cruise weed lines and rocky points in search of crayfish and minnows. Walleye and perch fishing is also strong here.
Seasonal Strategy: Drop-shot rigs with finesse baits or Ned rigs around shallow structure are producing consistent bites.
5. Chicago, Illinois
While known for its skyline, Chicago also boasts quality fishing. Lakefront parks and piers give access to perch, salmon, and smallmouth bass. Boaters enjoy access to deeper waters for trout and salmon trolling.
Viral Trend: More urban anglers are using castable fish finders and kayak setups to access salmon closer to shore in summer months.
Image: fishseahawk
