Best Salmon & Steelhead Fishing in Michigan (Rivers & Lakes)

Michigan is known for its outstanding fishing due to its weather cycles and location. There are many fish to catch and ways to catch them both when it is warm and when it is cold.

Michigan has more than 10,000 lakes, to fish from as well as many streams and rivers. The most widely known water bodies though may be the great lakes it shares a border with.

Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Lake Superior all share borders with Michigan and offer ample salmon fishing. The great lakes are an odd ecosystem compared to other lakes because of their size, but they differ from the sea because they are landlocked.

Despite not being a sea, salmon use it as such and will spawn accordingly as would salmon in saltwater situations. This makes understanding seasons so important when considering fishing here.

Recommended Salmon Fishing Charters (Michigan)

River Fishing

River Trek Guide Service (Grand Rapids)
Manistee River Fishing Company (Brethren)
Fishing The Detroit River
Big River Outfitters (Grand Rapids)

Great Lake Fishing

Maykin Baykin Charters (South Haven)
Reel-N-Time Charters (Sault Sainte Marie)
Getaway Fishing Charters (Whitehall)
Rod Hog Charters (St. Joseph)
Powderhorn Sportfishing (Holland)
Fish-X-TC (Traverse City)
Prime Time Fishing Charters (Williamsburg)
Danel Sportfishing (Grand Haven)
Whitecap Charters – Little Traverse Bay
Elsie K Charters (Manistee)
Balls Deep Charters (North Muskegon)

How is Salmon Fishing in Michigan Different Than Other States?

Coastal states that border oceans are obviously different in terms of environment that the fish and the species of salmon themselves take on different biology. Other states are very different because they usually lack a large body of water.

Michigan also sits fairly high in the northern hemisphere and results in lower temperatures during the winter. This temperature difference is a major driving factor for salmon as a whole. Some argue that the fishing is better in winter during Michigan’s coldest weather of the year.

If you are fishing Michigan from southern parts of the United States, remember that the water you will fish in Michigan will be colder and fish there are used to that.

Fish run deeper when the heat hits so be aware that fishing deep may be necessary in the summer. The deeper down in the water column you go, the warmer the water will be in winter and cooler it will be in summer.

Rivers in Michigan can be different than most streams elsewhere, Michigan can be very lush with vegetation, especially around nutrient-rich streams and creeks. This vegetation can make traversing to the fishing spot very difficult at times. 

During mid-day in the summer, try looking for overhung vegetation over creeks and streams for salmon and other species. They cool off in these areas but be gentle with the plant life. These areas are essential to the salmon. Tree laydowns and deep bends are great places to fish.

To learn what the best temperature for salmon fishing is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Salmon Fishing Locations in Michigan

With there being so many lakes & rivers in Michigan, it can be hard to find the very best but in that effort, we have compiled a list here of some of the best places you can go for great fishing. Michigan offers good winter salmon fishing too so we will include some winter options as well.

Pere Marquette

On the western coast of Michigan off of the shores of Lake Michigan, sits the Pere Marquette river and lake. During the spawn, this river can come alive and be one of the best salmon fishing areas in the state.

As with most spawn, you can expect this trip to be between August and October to catch the salmon at their most active. There are several amenities in the area as well from lodging to outfitters.

Chinook, king, steelhead, and Coho salmon are the most populous migratory salmon that will utilize this river for spawn and can be extremely active in the early mornings on their journey inland.

When the fish are more active going upriver, find an area where the river is smaller in width and use that as an advantage for casting and spotting better.

Salmon runs are hectic and what you would consider a fish’s normal mentality is completely changed. Check with local shops and see what they would recommend for bait and tackle, you will be surprised at some suggestions but do not dismiss them, they make work well.

Clinton River

The Clinton river stretches and winds through the heart of northern Detroit and offers great fishing despite its suburban setting. This river also branches at several locations creating new paths to fish and also a spillway leading out of the harbor.

Salmon species found here are similar to other rivers and include king, Atlantic, steelhead, coho, and chinook. Fall seasons drive salmon inland in this river and its proximity in town makes it a convenient river to fish.

Currents are stronger in this river due to light vegetation as it is a city river but trolling with artificials should work fine. Driving out of town northbound you can arrive at other areas just outside of town for fishing such as Stony Creek Lake.

Seasons for the Clinton river are best for fall salmon but spring is acceptable as well. Many charters will be busier in the spring rather than in the fall due to warm weather, something to consider before fishing in the area.

Big Manistee River

Another river located on Michigan’s western shore is the Big Manistee River. Similar to other rivers on the west side of the state there is a small lake before entering the river. This is usually a staging point for outfitters and guides that are fishing in the main lake itself.

On the south end of the river, about a quarter-mile inland, is a state game area that can offer some great views and wildlife watching from across the river. Fishing for salmon here can be done year-round but as with other rivers in the area, spawn is from August to October.

Species that can be caught here are Chinook, coho, steelhead, and king salmon. and can be found throughout the river during the spawn.

Guides, lodging, and shops are available in town but a campground is available up the river and can be reached by taking route 55 east out of Manistee.

This river goes a very long way inland to Tippy Dam Pond. If you are adventurous and want to make a long drive of it, salmon can be fished downstream of this dam as well as in the pond itself. There is also a nice fishing access site and recreation area to enjoy as well.

Grand River

The Grand River has many different islands and is a little more dramatic in course than other rivers in Michigan. This river is great because the best fishing is not that far from the harbor and offers days’ worth of fishing.

Fish this river from August to October but you can fish it later into October making it a good choice for anyone staying around to fish. A short drive inland along the river will reveal the chaotic water path it has but more importantly, the smaller shoot of the river.

Try breaking away from fishing the main river and fish a few of the smaller portions. Salmon frequent these areas and most do not want to make the effort for these areas because they are focused on the main river itself.

The town of Grand Haven starts the river and it leads to Grand Rapids to the east. A short drive away from things to see and do is always good on a fishing trip. Most of your fishing sto[ps and destinations will be off of route 45 which can also be driven directly in Grand Rapids.

Species here are the usual salmon such as chinook, king, steelhead, and coho in the main river during the spawn but be sure to check the smaller spots. It may result in good fishing without having anyone else around.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan itself is a great body of water to fish and there are many charters and guides happy to take you out. Salmon spawn will always be best during fall for river fishing but salmon can be caught year-round on the open water.

Traverse City is a great spot to access the northern end of the lake and puts several islands at reach. This city has a good balance of good accessibility to the main lake but is also surrounded by many small lakes and waters as well.

Species of salmon in Lake Michigan include pink, Atlantic, king, chinook, coho, and steelhead. Fishing the main water is a great way to get your fishing pole in the pond with the most diversity.

Fishing in Lake Michigan will likely involve depth fishing and rigging. Many charters supply the gear for this, however. From shore, there are many state parks and access points all around the northern end of the state.

Many of the islands offer lodging such as campgrounds so if bringing your boat, you can stop in and sleep for the night without needing to cut the fishing short to run back to port. The downside to this is packing that gear with you when you go off course.

Saginaw Bay

Saginaw Bay is located on the eastern side of Michigan and offers some great fishing that many do not seek out. This bay has fewer good access points than others in the area as well.

Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City are going to be your central hubs for your trip to fish this bay but the launch itself will come from Bay City or a smaller coastal town.

Salmon species available in this area are chinook, coho, pink, lake trout, king, Atlantic, along with some good-sized lake whitefish.

Same as the open water on the other side of Michigan, fishing here will likely be deeper water and trolling but check fishing reports in nearby towns to see what the locals are doing.

Overall Top Two Salmon Fisheries in Michigan

1. Manistee River

Manistee River is the best on the list due to not just its winding river and mid-river boat access, but also because it connects to a larger body of water as well. This is a great spot to fish with a group because of the picnic and recreation areas at the dam and ponds.

This river winds and bends and makes a home for species of salmon such as king, coho, chinook, and steelhead. The river itself has great views of the countryside and offers a wildlife refuge to view as well.

For this river, go with the bait the locals are using. This will usually be a plug of a larger size or a flasher. J-Plugs are also common for many species. Steelheads are often caught on fish chunks and eggs for bait.

2. Saginaw Bay

Saginaw Bay offers some great fishing and is easily number two. It is a popular recreation area and trolling area. The three cities on the south side of the bay offer amenities but can be very difficult to get back and forth from. Try a smaller town on either side of the bay instead.

Atlantic, Chinook, Coho, and steelhead salmon are found in this bay and are in abundance. This is a good chance to troll with plugs or run deepwater with natural bait. Troll the coastline for good results and look for others who are boating and see how they are fishing.

There are many fishing spots for salmon in Michigan that all offer different benefits. Research and find what site fits your trip best and plan ahead.

Fishing Regulations In Michigan

Fishing in Michigan can look complicated on paper due to its complex fisheries system and the wide demand for fishing in the area. Open water on the great lakes is open year-round for annual license holders but inland rivers and streams are broken into different categories. These categories determine the season it may be fished, what can be kept, and any other special species alerts.

Rivers and Streams in Michigan will generally stay open year-round but some will close on August 30th or October 31st. Be aware of this when traveling Michigan fishing during spawn. 

Adult residents can expect to pay $27.00 and their Non-Resident counterparts will pay $77.00 for annual licensing. If you are fishing per day the rate is $10.00 per day for both resident and non-resident as well as a $1.00 DNR conservation charge.

Steelhead Fishing in Michigan

Steelhead are one of the most sought-after species in the state and are essentially a sea-run rainbow trout that grows big in the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan. Steelhead tend to be confused with other species at times as well so it is very important to accurately identify your catch.

Steelheads make the journey inland to lay their eggs and upon hatch of those eggs, they will remain inland until they grow to be around 8 inches long. Once large enough they will make their way out to “freshwater sea” which are great lakes and grow.

Adult steelhead usually linger in the main lakes until they spawn, They often feed on the fry of other fish species, invertebrates, and other small prey. They are sought after by trollers in the main lakes and are very strong fighters, especially during the spawn.

In Michigan there are mutliple steelhead runs annually and you can have good steelhead fishing outside of the fall months. The spawn period for Michigan Steelhead stretches from October to April every year.

Many of the best locations to pursue steelhead are included on this list but here are a few areas that are not. These are good places for spring steelhead and they are popular areas for traveling anglers.

Best Steelhead Fishing Spots in Michigan

White River

The white river offers great fishing from September to October for steelhead fishing and it offers many winding habitats for steelhead. This river runs for miles all the way northeast to Hesperia giving you all the real estate you could need to fish.

This river starts in the town of Whitehall on Michigan’s western shore. It has amenities that you will find useful for your adventure upriver such as lodging and food.

Two Hearted River

This river is on the very northern end of Michigan and sits just south of the Canadian border on Lake Superior. This site offers great fishing for steelhead and other species as well during the spring and fall months.

Lodging in this area consists of a lodge and a campground. The river itself stays fairly close to the main water body by slightly cutting inland. To the north, there are other streams and rivers that cut inland as well making this a good place to explore.

Michigan offers some great waters and a place to catch huge salmon and make memories. A trip to Michigan is something you will enjoy. 

Click here to learn the best water temperature for trout.