Fishing in Lake Michigan |
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Fishing Little Bay de NocAll Roads Lead to Little Bay de NocLittle Bay de Noc is located at the very northern-most part of Green Bay in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There are three communities which are situated on the shores of Little Bay de Noc--Escanaba, Gladstone, and Rapid River.
Activities around these communities during the year include fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, sailing and sailboat racing, dogsled racing, cross-country skiing, camping and much more. One of the most outstanding sports found in this area is fishing, more specifically, walleye fishing. Walleye fishing has made Little Bay de Noc and Delta County world famous, many world class walleye having come from these waters. Where to StayAccommodations are numerous and varied—from chain motels to locally owned facilities—with appealing rates throughout the year. Vacationers are just blocks away from the water, and many take advantage of this area for all of their recreational needs. Lodging arrangements should be made well in advance depending on the time of year, especially at the cottages and resorts which can fill during peak fishing times. The Chamber of Commerce can send you a list of places to stay which can make your time in the area a pleasant one. If you do visit Delta County and Little Bay de Noc for fishing, be ready for some exciting times. This brochure will deal with various species of fish that make their home here, areas that are the most productive, lures used, and launch ramps closest to some of the best fishing in the United States. 
Helpful Information to help you get started:
Little Bay de NocLittle Bay de Noc is divided into two basic areas: the upper bay and the lower bay. Generally, the upper bay is that water north of Gladstone and the lower bay which is south of Gladstone to the Ford River which is approximately 5 miles south of Escanaba. The upper bay: If you chose to fish the upper bay, you will be using one of four launches:
When using these launch ramps, pay special attention to lake charts as shallow water and reefs lie all around these sites. The lower bay: If you chose to fish the lower bay, launch ramps include Gladstone Harbor, Escanaba River, the Escanaba Yacht Harbor and the Ford River.
Early Fishing SeasonFishing the upper bay offers many different types of fishing. Early in the season, (starting May 15) walleyes can be caught around the mouths of the rivers emptying into Little Bay de Noc. These rivers are the Whitefish, the Tacoosh, the Escanaba and the Days. The best baits include crawler harnesses, jigs, Lindy® rigs, and body baits such as Rapalas®, Thundersticks®, or Hot ‘n’ Tots®. This early season offers the fisherman casting opportunities. Some of the best fishing takes place in very shallow water, 5 feet or less. Shad Raps work very well. The early season usually lasts about a month or until the alewives enter the bay. Northern pike can also be caught in these same areas. Use the same baits for them too. If you are a crappie fisherman, large fish can be caught around the shallow water around the Rapid River site. Tiny jigs and wax worms are a good choice. Most walleye are caught in the shallower waters during this early season. Deeper waters in the center of the bay can also hold large fish. (18-25 feet of water) Deeper water fish can be caught around the first reef, second reef, and the center reef. These areas are located just north of the Kipling site. (These waters are also outstanding during the fall fishing season.) In the past few years, outstanding fishing is had during night time hours. One thing to to remember is MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTS WORK before you go out. By law, you must have working navigational lights on your boat and use them after dusk. The waters off the Ford River also present excellent fishing excitement early in the season. The same baits work well here. In the lower bay, fishing seems to be better in the middle of the summer and into the fall. Generally, the fish are a little deeper, however, shallows can be very productive. These areas include Black Bottom east of the Terrace Bay Inn and in the Escanaba River. If you fish the Escanaba River, a small launch ramp is located about a half mile up river from the mouth. Great care should be taken if you launch here. Logs and pilings lie just under the surface of the water. Ask someone where the channel is. Crawlers and Rapalas® work very well in these areas. Summer FishingDuring the summer months and into the fall, trolling can be extremely productive. Thundersticks®, spoons, and Hot ‘n’ Tots® are excellent choices. You’ll have to see the depth the fish are holding and fish down to them. If your lures will not go down deep enough try either using lead core line, snap weights, bottom bouncers, or downriggers. At any rate, fish at the depth the fish are located. For those of you who have downriggers, set your lines up just as you would if you were fishing for salmon and use small salmon spoons about 30 feet behind your downrigger weight. A good speed is about 1.5 miles an hour. This has proven to be an excellent pattern over the years. Some of the best spoons have included North Port Nailers®, Silver Streaks®, and Laker Takers®. The Laker Takers® are made by The Swedish Pimple® Company located right in Gladstone. Some of the best crawler harnesses are made by the Walleye Choice® Company which is also located in this area. These companies specialize in baits that work well in this area for walleye and pike. These baits can be purchased at any bait shop in this area. Colors vary throughout the year so ask bait store operators what’s hot and what’s not. Fall FishingSalmon fishing is also quite good in the waters south of Escanaba. Approximately six miles south of Escanaba is a navigational buoy known as the Ford River Can. This buoy marks the west side of the shipping channel. Trolling along this bank with spoons offers some exciting times. This fishery usually takes off during the middle of July and will last for about 6-8 weeks. Salmon can also be caught from the bank along the Escanaba Harbor entrance in late September and October. Little Bay de Noc also poses some great times. First ice is usually the best for walleye but be sure to check out ice conditions before venturing out. Number 4 and 5 Swedish Pimples® are the outstanding lures. Jigging the lure tipped with a live minnow is very productive. Both the upper and lower bays are excellent during this time of the year. Tip-ups also work well. Try fishing close to the bottom. Fish tend to travel very close to the bottom. Another great sport fish is the splake (a cross between a lake and brook trout, planted in the Bay by the Department of Natural Resources) Splake fishing is excellent during the winter months. Fish these the same way as you would a walleye. Jigging is best. Swedish Pimples® and tinsel jigs are the lures of choice. Generally, splake can be found across from Escanaba on the Stonington side of the Bay. Water depth varies from 28 to 45 feet. Having a depth sounder really helps a great deal when trying to locate these fish. Resources
Exotic SpeciesA number of exotic species have been found in waters surrounding Michigan which compete with native species and disrupt the balance of nature. Please take precautions to prevent the transport and introduction of these from one lake or stream to another by draining water from livewells, bilge and transom BEFORE leaving any water body. Empty your bail bucket as well. Before going to another water body let your boat and trailer dry at least 5 days. If you can't wait, wash everything down with hot (at least 140 degrees) water thoroughly before entering new waters. Whether you have your own boat or you would like to book a charter on a charter boat, Delta County and Little Bay de Noc have much to offer. It is a fisherman’s paradise but remember, just take what you can use. Help us maintain our fishery for future generations. Practice catch and release and consult the Michigan Fishing Guide published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for rules and regulations concerning fishing limits and sizes. In a hurry? Use the Quick Guide Below!
Guides and Charter CaptainsFishing Charter CaptainsCaptain Keith Wils Guide ServicesHawgheaven Guide Service Bait and Tackle ShopsBayview Bait & Tackle Boat StorageVinette Boatworks Boat Maintenance and RepairBaywood Industries Ice Shanty RentalsTerrace Bay Inn Boat Renting and LeasingRichard Boatworks Splash Rentals Boat StorageVinette Boatworks 
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For more information about the Bays De Noc Area or for more help with planning your next trip feel free to contact us at: Bays De Noc Convention & Visitors Bureau 230 Ludington Street Escanaba, MI 49829 1-800-533-4FUN • 906-789-7862 E-mail: Order your Michigan Vacations Planner |
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