Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Michigan (Complete Guide)

Michigan offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Michigan can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Michigan are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Michigan.

Month	Michigan Fishing Location
January	The Muskegon River for steelhead fishing and catching some early brown trout.
February	The Muskegon River for steelhead fishing and the chance to catch some early brown trout.
March	The Au Sable River for brown trout fishing and the chance to catch some steelhead and early season smallmouth bass.
April	Hamlin Lake for pre-spawn walleye fishing and the chance to catch some big northern pike.
May	The Little Manistee River for the famous hex hatch and the chance to catch some big brown trout.
June	Lake St. Clair for smallmouth bass fishing and the chance to catch some muskellunge.
July	Lake Huron for lake trout fishing and the chance to catch some Chinook and coho salmon.
August	The St. Marys River for Atlantic salmon fishing and the chance to catch some steelhead and lake trout.
September	The Betsie River for salmon fishing and the chance to catch some steelhead.
October	The Pere Marquette River for salmon and steelhead fishing and the chance to catch some brown trout.
November	The Manistee River for steelhead fishing and the chance to catch some big brown trout.
December	The Au Sable River for winter steelhead fishing and the chance to catch some big brown trout.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Michigan. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Michigan

Au Sable River: May for brown trout and steelhead, September for salmon and October for steelhead.

Manistee River: June for brown trout, September for Chinook salmon and October for steelhead.

Pere Marquette River: April for steelhead, June for smallmouth bass and September for salmon.

Boardman River: June for brown trout and smallmouth bass, September for Chinook salmon.

St. Marys River: June for Atlantic salmon and lake trout, October for steelhead.

Betsie River: August for Chinook salmon and coho salmon, October for steelhead.

Jordan River: June for brown trout and brook trout, September for Chinook salmon.

White River: May for brown trout and steelhead, October for salmon and steelhead.

Little Manistee River: June for brown trout, July for brook trout and September for salmon.

Huron River: March for steelhead, May for brown trout and smallmouth bass and September for Chinook salmon.

Clinton River: March for steelhead, May for smallmouth bass and September for Chinook salmon.

Pine River: May for brown trout and steelhead, September for Chinook salmon.

Escanaba River: May for brook trout and brown trout, September for Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Two Hearted River: June for brook trout and brown trout, September for Chinook salmon.

Kalamazoo River: April for steelhead, June for smallmouth bass and September for Chinook salmon.

Big Manistee River: June for brown trout, September for Chinook salmon and October for steelhead.

Rifle River: May for brown trout and brook trout, September for Chinook salmon.

Rogue River: March for steelhead, June for brown trout and September for Chinook salmon.

Pigeon River: May for brook trout and brown trout, September for Chinook salmon.

Thornapple River: April for steelhead, May for smallmouth bass and September for Chinook salmon.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in Michigan

Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan): May for cisco and lake trout, August for smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

Burt Lake: May for walleye and northern pike, June for smallmouth bass and muskellunge.

Torch Lake: June for smallmouth bass and lake trout, July for brown trout and cisco.

Lake St. Clair: May for walleye and white bass, June for muskellunge and smallmouth bass.

Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron): April for walleye, May for perch, June for smallmouth bass and muskellunge.

Houghton Lake: May for walleye and northern pike, June for bluegill and crappie.

Little Bay de Noc (Lake Michigan): May for walleye and smallmouth bass, July for perch and lake sturgeon.

Manistique River (Lake Michigan): May for steelhead, June for smallmouth bass and walleye.

Muskegon Lake: May for walleye and northern pike, June for smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

Pere Marquette River (Lake Michigan): March for steelhead, June for smallmouth bass and brown trout.

Thunder Bay (Lake Huron): June for lake trout and walleye, August for smallmouth bass and northern pike.

Lake Gogebic: May for walleye and northern pike, June for smallmouth bass and perch.

Lake Michigan (near Frankfort): May for lake trout and brown trout, July for steelhead and Chinook salmon.

St. Marys River (Lake Superior): May for Atlantic salmon and lake trout, June for smallmouth bass and walleye.

Detroit River (Lake Erie): April for walleye and white bass, June for smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

Au Sable River (Lake Huron): May for brown trout and steelhead, August for smallmouth bass and walleye.

Keweenaw Peninsula (Lake Superior): May for lake trout and whitefish, August for smallmouth bass and pike.

Whitefish Bay (Lake Superior): June for lake trout and walleye, August for smallmouth bass and northern pike.

Lake Charlevoix: May for walleye and northern pike, July for smallmouth bass and cisco.

Lake Erie (near Monroe): April for walleye and white bass, June for smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Michigan

These Michigan-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Fishing The Detroit River & Lake	Wyandotte, MI
Fish-X-TC Guide Service	Traverse City, MI
Prime Time Fishing Charters	Traverse City, MI
Powderhorn Sportfishing	Holland, MI
Fish Stalker Charters	St. Joseph, MI
River Trek Guide Service	Grand Rapids, MI
In The Box Fishing Charters	St. Joseph, MI
Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan	Manistee, MI
Dan Nealy’s Fishing Buddies	Newaygo, MI
Get Hooked Fishing Charters	Detroit, MI
Sea Flea Charters	Grand Haven, MI

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Chinook (King) Salmon

King salmon fishing in Michigan is usually best from August to October, when the fish migrate upstream to spawn. Early morning or late evening are the best times to fish for them, as they tend to be more active. Some of the best locations to catch king salmon in Michigan are the St. Mary’s River, Manistee River, Betsie River, and the Grand River.

In the Great Lakes, the best locations for king salmon fishing include Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, particularly around the mouths of rivers and streams where they enter the lakes.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are usually caught in Michigan from late summer to early fall, generally from late August to October, when they migrate into rivers and streams from the Great Lakes to spawn. The best time of day to fish for coho salmon is usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Three of the best locations in Michigan to fly fish for coho salmon are the Betsie River, Manistee River, and Pere Marquette River.

If you’re looking to fish for coho salmon in Michigan waters of the Great Lakes, some of the best locations include Ludington, Manistee, and Frankfort. In these areas, the best time to fish for coho salmon is usually from August to October, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times to fish.

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are not native to Michigan but can be found in some of the state’s rivers, including the St. Marys River, the Au Sable River, and the Manistee River. The best time to fly fish for Atlantic salmon in Michigan is typically from September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fly fish for Atlantic salmon, when they feed more actively.

Brown Trout

Brown trout can be caught throughout the year in Michigan, but the best months to fly fish for them are typically from April to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fly fish for brown trout, when they are more active and feeding.

Some of the best locations for fly fishing for brown trout in Michigan include the Pere Marquette River, the Au Sable River, the Manistee River, and the Boardman River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout can be caught throughout the year in Michigan, but the best months to fly fish for them are typically from April to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fly fish for rainbow trout, when they are more active and feeding.

Some of the best locations for fly fishing for rainbow trout in Michigan include the Pere Marquette River, the Au Sable River, the Manistee River, and the Boardman River.

Steelhead

Steelhead can be caught throughout the year in Michigan, but the best months to fly fish for them are typically from October to April. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fly fish for steelhead, when they are more active and feeding.

Some of the best locations for fly fishing for steelhead in Michigan include the Betsie River, the Manistee River, the Muskegon River, and the St. Joseph River.

Brook Trout

Brook trout can be caught throughout the year in Michigan, but the best months to fly fish for them are typically from May to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fly fish for brook trout, when they feed more actively.

Some of the best locations for fly fishing for brook trout in Michigan include the Jordan River, the Pigeon River, the Boardman River, and the Two Hearted River.

Northern Pike

Pike are typically caught during the warmer months, from May through October. They are most active in the early morning or late evening, especially in the summer when the water is warmer.

Some of the best locations in Michigan to fish for pike include the Detroit River, the St. Clair River, Houghton Lake, and Lake St. Clair. In the Great Lakes, pike can be found in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Musky

The best time to catch musky in Michigan is during the fall months of September, October, and November. They are usually active during the day, so you can fish for them in the morning or afternoon. Michigan’s best musky fishing locations are Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and the St. Joseph River.

Whitefish

Whitefish are typically caught in Michigan during the fall and winter months, usually from October to January. The best time to fish for whitefish is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for whitefish in Michigan include the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and smaller lakes such as Torch Lake and Lake Charlevoix.

Crappie

Crappie fishing in Michigan is typically best in the spring and early summer, especially during April, May, and June. The best time of day to catch crappie is usually early in the morning or later in the evening.

Michigan’s best locations for crappie fishing include the Muskegon River, Houghton Lake, and Lake St. Clair. In the Great Lakes, Saginaw Bay and the Detroit River are popular crappie fishing spots.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in Michigan is best in the early spring and late fall, from April to May and September to November. During these times, walleye move to shallower waters to feed before and after spawning. Walleye are more active at night and during low-light conditions, making early morning or evening fishing ideal. Some of the best locations to fish for walleye in Michigan include Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and the Detroit River.

Catfish

The best time of year for fishing catfish in Michigan is during the warmer months from May to September. Catfish are more active during the night, so the best time of day to fish for them is in the evening or at night. Some of Michigan’s best locations to catch catfish include the Grand River, the Saginaw River, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass can be found in many lakes and rivers throughout Michigan. The best time to fish for largemouth bass is during the warm months, especially from May to September. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the best time of day to fish for largemouth bass.

Michigan’s great locations for largemouth bass fishing include Lake St. Clair, Lake Charlevoix, and the Kalamazoo River. While largemouth bass are not typically found in the open waters of the Great Lakes, they can be caught in some of the smaller bays and tributaries of the lakes.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in Michigan is best in the warmer months of late spring, summer, and early fall. May through September are typically the best times to target these fish.

Smallmouth bass are most active during low-light periods, such as early morning, late afternoon, and evening. So, the best time of day to fish for them is usually during these times.

The best locations to fish for smallmouth bass in Michigan include the Grand Traverse Bay, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and the Detroit River.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing in Michigan can be challenging, but the best time to fish for them is during the summer months of June through August. Sturgeon tend to be more active during the early morning and late evening, so it’s best to fish during those times.

The Black River in the northern Lower Peninsula and the St. Clair River in the southern Lower Peninsula are popular spots for sturgeon fishing in Michigan. In addition, some anglers have had success fishing for sturgeon in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan waters.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch fishing in Michigan is best during spring and fall. The best months to fish for yellow perch are April through June and September through November. They are most active during dawn and dusk, so fishing is best. Some of the best locations to fish for yellow perch in Michigan include Lake St. Clair, Lake Michigan, and Saginaw Bay.

Lake Trout

Lake trout fishing in Michigan can be excellent throughout the year, but the best time to fish for them is from late spring to early summer and in the fall. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for lake trout, especially during hot summer. In Michigan, some of the best locations for lake trout fishing include Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, as well as inland lakes like Torch Lake and Crystal Lake.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Wyoming, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Colorado. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Utah. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ohio. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Pennsylvania. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ontario. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Quebec. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New York. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Rhode Island. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Illinois.

Best Fishing in Michigan on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Saginaw Bay: This is a great place to catch yellow perch during winter.
Detroit River: The Detroit River is a popular spot for catching walleye in the winter.
Muskegon Lake: Muskegon Lake is a good place to catch yellow perch and walleye in the winter.
Houghton Lake: Houghton Lake is popular for catching northern pike during winter.

Spring

Pere Marquette River: The Pere Marquette River is known for its steelhead runs during the spring, but you can also catch brown trout and rainbow trout.
Kalamazoo River: The Kalamazoo River is a great place to catch steelhead and Chinook salmon during the spring months.
Lake Huron: Lake Huron is a popular spot for catching walleye in spring.
St. Joseph River: The St. Joseph River is known for its steelhead and Chinook salmon runs during the spring, and you can also catch brown trout.

Summer

Grand Traverse Bay: Grand Traverse Bay is a great place to catch smallmouth bass, lake trout, and Chinook salmon during the summer.
Lake St. Clair: Lake St. Clair is popular for catching smallmouth bass and musky during summer.
Detroit River: The Detroit River is known for its walleye fishing during summer.
Au Sable River: The Au Sable River is a popular spot for trout fishing during summer, especially brown trout.

Fall

Manistee River: The Manistee River is a great place to catch Chinook salmon during the fall months.
Pere Marquette River: The Pere Marquette River is popular for catching steelhead and brown trout in the fall.
Betsie River: The Betsie River is known for its Coho salmon runs during the fall.
Lake Michigan: Lake Michigan is a great place to catch lake trout, brown trout, and Chinook salmon during the fall months.

For a complete breakdown of the quality of fishing in Minnesota, check out this article. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Wisconsin.