Fishing Lake Michigamme

AKA: Van Riper State Park Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Michigamme Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Michigamme, MI

Popular Fish Species Lake Michigamme, MI

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, without the need for stocking in two decades, a healthy population of walleye are reproducing and thriving in the waters of Lake Michigamme this year. May and June tend to be the best time 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.

Lake Michigamme Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a abundant here and a favorite of many locals. 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, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Michigamme Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Lake Michigamme, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity, and some mighty big sizes too. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.

Lake Michigamme Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, brook trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and tiger muskie at Lake Michigamme in Michigan.

The quaint town of Michigamme wraps the northern edge of Lake Michigamme, which is a 4,300-acre lake in the central part of the upper peninsula. It is considered a big lake by locals and has 36 miles of shoreline for anglers and visitors to explore. The lake is popular for its diverse fish species, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and a variety of panfish.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Michigamme

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Michigamme Amenities

Marina: NO
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

Lake Michigamme Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
906 339-4114

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Michigamme Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Imp Heights Road, this is a one-lane, gravel ramp with gravel parking.

Van Riper State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Blue Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.