Ice Fishing

Western Upper Michigan is well known for its ice fishing. Whether you’re looking to hook walleye, perch, whitefish, bass, lake trout, northern pike or a variety of panfish – the Western U.P. has got you covered even during the winter months. Purchase your fishing license here.

In fact, some experienced anglers say that winter is the best time to fish, because with the warm weather gone, so are the weeds. An ice fishing excursion can be as simple as drilling a hole in the ice and dropping in a line while perched on an overturned bucket. Or it can be an all-day outing complete with an elaborate ice shanty boasting all the comforts of home. With proper clothing and equipment, knowing the condition of the ice and following safety precautions, ice fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience.

LAKE GOGEBIC

In 13,380 acres of prime fishing water, Lake Gogebic offers walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, jumbo perch and some whitefish. With shores that range from sandy to rocky to clay banks, you’ll always be challenged. Learn to read the lake and how to use the right fishing method in the right place for the big reward. Throughout the season, the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a tagged fish contest with thousands of dollars in prizes. Click here for a Lake Gogebic area fishing reports and tournament information. Guide service is available through the Timbers Resort.

LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior offers many choices for the angler. Charter boat fishing is available at Ontonagon, Black River and Saxon Harbor. Many of the charter boats have a no fish-no pay policy. You may take your own boat out from one of the boat launches at Ontonagon, Silver City, Black River Harbor, Little Girls Point and Saxon Harbor. To find a charter, click here

SYLVANIA WILDERNESS

Sylvania Wilderness area has special regulations for non-motorized fun on beautiful clear water. Enjoy excellent catch and release bass fishing with no live bait. You can get more information from Bob Z., owner of Sylvania Outfitters. Sylvania Wilderness Map

THE CISCO CHAIN OF LAKES

The Cisco Chain has 15 lakes with some being remote and adventurous. Access is available on Cisco and Thousand Island Lake. With 271 miles of shoreline take a map and compass. You can use a small motorboat, canoe or whatever. There is nice underwater structure around the many islands. Species include trout, musky, walleye, northern, small & largemouth bass, and panfish.

PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS

The “Porkies” – Spring and the Steelhead run is on the Presque Isle, Big & Little Carp Rivers, Union, and the Big Iron rivers. In mid-summer you will find excellent catch and release fishing of smallmouth bass on the very scenic Lake of the Clouds. Porcupine Mountains Fishing Information

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

Over 500 named lakes, and nearly 2,000 miles of river and stream fishing await the angler in the Ottawa National Forest. Stream fishing is available throughout the Forest, while lake fishing is concentrated in the southern half of the area. The Forest Service can provide you with details on the lakes and streams at 906-932-1330. Ottawa National Forest Fishing Information

With all the talk about lakes, our region is also rich with clean rivers and streams. Fly-fishing is alive and well with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. A few streams have spring creek characteristics while others are classic free stoners. Insect hatches are wide and varied. Guides are available.

For more information on ice fishing in the Western U.P., click on these links:

Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce

Watersmeet Area Chamber of Commerce

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the best ice fishing in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula?

The premier ice fishing destination in the Western UP is Lake Gogebic, famous for its walleye and jumbo perch. Other top locations include the Cisco Chain of Lakes, featuring 15 interconnected lakes, and the Ottawa National Forest, which offers over 500 named lakes for targeting northern pike, whitefish, and trout.

2. What fish species can you catch while ice fishing in the Western UP?

Anglers in Western Upper Michigan commonly catch walleye, jumbo perch, northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish. The region also supports healthy populations of smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and various panfish. Winter is often considered the ideal time to fish here, as the absence of summer weeds makes hooking these species easier.

3. Are there ice fishing tournaments in the Western Upper Peninsula?

Yes, the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a popular tagged fish contest throughout the winter season, offering thousands of dollars in prizes. This event attracts anglers from across the Midwest to Lake Gogebic, which is widely regarded as one of the most productive ice fishing lakes in Michigan.

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