Fishing Lake Charlevoix
AKA: Charlevoix Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Charlevoix, MI

Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass grow big in Lake Charlevoix, and are a favorite of many locals, especially in spring and summer. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, focus your fishing time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.

Walleye Fishing
Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Charlevoix again this year. May and June are the best months for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Yellow Perch Fishing
As a major forage fish in Lake Charlevoix, yellow perch have been a mainstay for anglers and predator fish alike. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.
Lake Charlevoix Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Charlevoix in Michigan.
Fantastic views and great fishing make Lake Charlevoix an ideal destination for anglers and vacationers. This 17,200-acre lake in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula, at Charlevoix, has 56 miles of shoreline. Lake Charlevoix is home to smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and a variety of panfish. Access to the shore for fishing is available at parks, campgrounds and public areas around the lake. In winter, when the ice is safe, trout, perch, walleye, pike and sunfish are all available to those who enjoy ice fishing.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Charlevoix
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Charlevoix Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boyne Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 881-6000
Summertime Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
231 547-7700
Tommy's at Lake Charlevoix
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 535-6039
Ward Brothers Boats
Rentals: Pontoon boats
231 547-2371
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Boyne City Municipal Ramp Boating Access Site
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off N Kake Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Charlevoix Municipal Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Stover Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Dutchmans Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the east side of the South Bay, off Dutchmans Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ironton Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Sweetbrier Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp gravel parking.
Sportsmen Club Boat Launch Ramp
Located at the south end of the South Bay, off Water Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
State Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Young State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Park Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Charlevoix Marina
100 Clinton St
Charlevoix, MI 49720
231 547-3272
Fishing Guides On Lake Charlevoix
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Michigan Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
East Jordan City Campground - 231 536-2561
Whiting Park Campground - 231 582-7040
Young State Park Campground - 231 582-7523
Lake Charlevoix MI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Charlevoix
East Jordan City Tourist Park Campground
218 N Lake St
East Jordan, MI 49727
231 536-2561
Fishing lakes in each state.
021125
Lake Charlevoix in Michigan.
MICHIGAN


Information about fishing lakes in MI.
Fishing in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula of Michigan for trout, walleye, perch, bass, sunfish, crappie and northern pike.