Ludington & Mason County offer some of the state's greatest fishing.
The waters between Big Sable Point to the north and Little Sable Point to the south offer the “big-lake” fishermen the best fishing to be found on Lake Michigan. Proximity to deep waters, excellent offshore structure, warm shoal waters, and natural river mouths make a perfect habitat for growing trout and salmon.
Mason County sports some 2,000 miles of trout streams and over 40 inland lakes that are available for fishing.
In the spring, fishermen find ample Brown Trout, Steelhead and Salmon while fishing from the piers. The Yellow Perch follow as the water warms during the summer months. Then the fall salmon angling reigns. The Sauble and Pere Marquette Rivers provide anglers with salmon runs beginning in August and lasting into October. Steelhead angling lasts through the Winter and into Spring. The outstanding marine facilities in Ludington offer launch ramps and fish cleaning stations. There is an opportunity for everyone who enjoys fishing, young and old, whether on the big lake or on one of the many inland lakes and streams.
Great Fishing Year 'Round!
APRIL
The big lake season begins in April at the port of Ludington. Football shaped brown trout cruise the inshore waters where river mouths attract baitfish. This early action demands lighter line and shallow running bails which imitate the smelt and alewives the ravenous browns are feeding on.
MAY
May is a prime smorgasbord month. Browns still patrol the thin water near shore. Lake trout become legal targets in May and add variety to the spring catch. Lean, mean spring Chinooks averaging 6 to 20 pounds can make a May charter a day you’ll never forget.
JUNE
June is a great time to sample the fantastic lake trout fishing Ludington has to offer. Consistent weather and fishing for lake's averaging 6 to 15 pounds make June the perfect time to plan a family outing. A fresh lake trout on the grill is some of the best eating to be had. Exciting offshore fishing for acrobatic Steelhead is available in June. These fresh-water tarpon frequent deep-water scum lines and thermal barriers and provide the ultimate in top-water action.
JULY
July is another month in which variety is the name of the game. Chinook salmon are the prime targets and fishing for lake trout remains excellent during July. Brown trout are regular catches and outstanding Steelhead action is waiting offshore.
JULY
July is another month in which variety is the name of the game. Chinook salmon are the prime targets and fishing for lake trout remains excellent during July. Brown trout are regular catches and outstanding Steelhead action is waiting offshore.
AUGUST
August is salmon time. Husky Chinooks, at their best in terms of fighting ability and weight after a summer of heavy feeding, offer super angling action. These behemoth begin staging on the deep structure the Ludington area is famous for. Dodger fly/squid combos account for many fish in the 20 to 30 pound range at this time of year. Acrobatic silver or Coho salmon also show up in good numbers in the August catch.
SEPTEMBER
By September, huge numbers of mature king salmon begin massing off their natal river mouths preparing for their upstream migration. Action can be fast and furious as these trophies prepare to return to the rivers in which many of them were spawned. Some of the biggest fish of the year are landed during September.
OCTOBER
October means Indian summer, fall colors and fantastic Steelhead, commonly referred to as “jumpers” by the charter fleet, are suckers for shallow-set dipsey divers and surface spoons and crank baits at this time of the year. Boat traffic is at a minimum and you might have the whole lake and the Steelhead to yourself.
NOVEMBER
A favorite month for local fishermen for steelhead fishing in the Pere Marquette River. They flock to the river following the salmon for an easy meal of salmon spawn.
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
December is "first ice", the best ice fishing of the year on local inland lakes including Upper Hamlin and the South Bayou of Lower Hamlin Lake. January and February are GREAT months for ice fishing on Hamlin Lake and Pere Marquette Lake.
MARCH
March is great fishing for spawning steelhead on the world famous Pere Marquette River.
