Lake Michigan is a summer fishing paradise that draws anglers from across the U.S. With thousands of miles of shoreline and open water access, it offers some of the best warm-weather fishing opportunities in the Midwest. While there are countless productive areas, one region consistently stands out: Ludington, Michigan.
Why Ludington Is a Summer Hotspot
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Ludington provides direct access to deep water, offshore structure, and powerful currents. It’s especially famous for its Chinook (King) salmon and lake trout fishery, peaking from July through early September.
Species to Target in Summer
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Chinook Salmon: Known for blistering runs and heavyweight fights, they’re the top draw in July and August.
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Coho Salmon: Smaller than Chinook but aggressive, they show up in large schools in late summer.
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Lake Trout: Found near bottom structure year-round but move shallower in summer mornings.
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Steelhead (Rainbow Trout): These acrobatic fish thrive in cooler pockets near temperature breaks.
Best Fishing Tactics and Gear
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Trolling is the dominant technique in summer. Use a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover the full water column.
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Spoons, meat rigs, and flasher-fly combos are popular for targeting salmon at varying depths.
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Early morning and late evening are the most productive windows due to cooler water temperatures and increased baitfish activity.
Electronics Tip: Look for temperature breaks and bait balls on your sonar. Salmon often hold just below these thermoclines where food is abundant.
Where to Launch and Charter Options
Ludington has several quality marinas and public boat launches. For those new to open water fishing, numerous experienced local charters offer guided trips with all gear included.
Bonus Nearshore Opportunities
While deep water offers trophy-sized catches, don’t overlook nearshore structure and breakwalls for smallmouth bass and perch. Wading anglers and kayakers can enjoy solid action near the Ludington State Park or the Big Sable River mouth.
Image: fishdoubletrouble
