Top 5 Salmon Fishing Destinations in Northern Michigan

As the Great Lakes state, it should be no surprise that salmon fishing is a popular pastime in Michigan. Even more than what Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron have to offer, the state itself is spattered with various lakes, rivers, and waterways where salmon and other fish thrive. 

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So, if you’re an avid angler, looking to experience something new in the great outdoors, or are looking for something to do while visiting the region - this guide is for you.;

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Here, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about salmon fishing Northern Michigan edition. From the top destinations to fish to places to stay to make the most of your trip, we’ve got you covered—hook, line, and sinker! Keep reading for the ultimate salmon fishing guide for your northern Michigan trip. 

The Types of Salmon in Michigan 

To start our ultimate guide, let’s learn more about the type of salmon you’ll be fishing in Northern Michigan. 

Chinook Salmon

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Chinook is a type of Pacific salmon that has been established in the Great Lakes for over 50 years. This species generally prefers cooler temperatures, so you’ll find them in deeper waters. They typically begin their upstream migration in late summer, and the prime time to catch them are in mid-August. 

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The Chinook salmon are nicknamed “kings” as they are typically over 20 pounds. The most popular areas to fish Chinook salmon are Lake Michigan piers, the streams along the Lake Michigan coast, and inland in Manistee, like the Tippy Dam, Pere Marquette, and St. Joseph rivers. 

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• Pro Tip for Fishing Chinook Salmon: Anglers focus on catching Chinook salmon in low-light times, such as in the morning or the evening. Some even wait until after dark, using glow-in-the-dark spoons. Artificial bait is the most popular bait for catching Chinook salmon, but salmon eggs are also optimal. 

Pink Salmon

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Pink salmons are the smallest species of the Pacific salmon, as shown by the state record clocking in at just a little more than eight points. This species began establishing itself in Lake Huron in the 1950s and is found in high volumes in the lake’s tributaries, the Carp River and the St. Mary’s River. 

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Keep in mind that pink salmon spawn every two years, but one and three-year-old salmon spawning runs do happen annually, with the biggest ones during odd-numbered years. 

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• Pro Tip for Fishing Pink Salmon: Pink salmon are caught in rapids in high numbers when fishermen are trolling with downriggers or jigging with spoons.

Coho Salmon 

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Coho salmon are one of the most popular Northern Michigan types to catch, and according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, the variety is “the fish that really started the Great Lakes salmon fishery.” 

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This species is caught in Lake Michigan year-round and plentiful in the Manistee, Platte, St.Joseph, and Anna rivers, found throughout the state. Depending on the location, they can be fished in early spring, late summer, and early fall. In fact, they can be caught migrating as late as Christmas. 

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• Pro Tip for Fishing Coho Salmon: Anglers commonly use spinners, spoons, and plugs to catch this type of salmon. 

Atlantic Salmon

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Yes - we mean that type of Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon, native to the North Atlantic Ocean and known for their leaps from the water, are available for fishing in Northern Michigan. The salmon often spawn in mid-summer, where fly fishermen can find them in fast-flowing rapids of rivers. Fall fishing for Atlantic Salmon is also fruitful, with prime times from October to December. 

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• Pro Tip for Fishing Atlantic Salmon: Fishermen will seek out Atlantic salmon using downriggers. However, some anglers drift in currents below the rapids, casting with soft-plastic jerk baits or streamers.

Top 5 Salmon Fishing Northern Michigan Destinations 

The next part of planning your salmon fishing Northern Michigan trip is finding the destinations you’ll visit and the towns you’ll stay in. This section will cover the top 5 locales to consider. 

1. Torch Lake

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Fishing for salmon near Torch Lake, Michigan, offers a unique experience for anglers due to its proximity to both Lake Michigan and the surrounding rivers. While Torch Lake itself is primarily known for its clear waters and abundant populations of other species, its nearby rivers, such as the Torch River, flow into Elk Lake and eventually into Grand Traverse Bay, where salmon runs are more prevalent.

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Anglers often target these connecting waters during the salmon migration season in late summer and fall, using trolling and casting techniques. 

2. Harbor Springs 

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Harbor Springs is close to Little Traverse Bay and Grand Traverse Bay, two parts of Lake Michigan that offer anglers a unique salmon fishing experience. Many anglers choose to fish from boats, trolling in the deep waters of the bay for Chinook and Coho salmon. Fishing in the bay can be particularly rewarding during the early morning or late evening when salmon are more active near the surface.

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Popular fishing spots in the area include the deep waters of Little Traverse Bay, where anglers can troll for salmon and lake trout, and the nearby Bear River, known for its steelhead runs in the spring and fall. Additionally, local marinas and piers, such as Zoll Street Pier, offer convenient shore fishing options. 

3. Manistee 

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One of Michigan's most famous salmon fishing rivers, the Manistee River, is known for its large runs of Chinook and Coho salmon. The "Big Manistee" has several accessible points for shore fishing and boat fishing opportunities. Tippy Dam, located on the river, is a trendy spot due to its deep pools and swift currents that attract large numbers of salmon.

The Manistee North Pierhead and the piers along the harbor also provide excellent shore fishing opportunities.

4. Traverse City 

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The Boardman River is located near Traverse City and provides a great mix of urban and remote salmon fishing experiences. The river’s Chinook and Coho salmon runs draw anglers to its waters each fall. The lower stretches of the Boardman River, especially near the Union Street Dam, are known for high salmon concentrations during the peak of the run.

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Nearby inland lakes, such as Long Lake and Lake Leelanau, provide excellent opportunities for catching bass, pike, and panfish.

5. Frankfort

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In the Frankfort area, the Betsie River is a smaller river offering excellent salmon fishing opportunities, particularly during the fall runs. The lower stretches of the river, especially near Homestead Dam, are popular spots for catching both Chinook and Coho salmon. The Betsie River also offers good access points for wading and shore fishing.

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The Frankfort Pier and Breakwater provide convenient and accessible spots for shore fishing, allowing anglers to cast into the deeper waters of Lake Michigan. The nearby Crystal Lake also offers fishing for bass, pike, and panfish.

Tips to Fish for Salmon in Michigan 

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Now that you know where to go and the type of salmon you can fish for, the last thing to cover are the best tips and tricks to do so successfully. As you’ve learned here, techniques for fishing salmon in Northern Michigan can vary from species to species.

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Some anglers prefer to cast from the riverbanks, while others use boats to drift and troll in deeper waters. Regardless, the right equipment, such as medium to heavy rods, strong lines, and appropriate lures or bait, is essential for success.

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• Timing: Fish during the early morning or late evening when salmon are most active.
• Location: Focus on deeper pools and near obstacles like fallen trees or rocks where salmon rest.
• Gear: To handle the powerful runs of salmon, use a medium to heavy rod with a strong line (15-30 lb test).
• Bait and lures: Use spawn bags, spoons, spinners, or crankbaits to attract salmon.
• Presentation: Vary your retrieval speed and depth to mimic the natural movement of prey.
• Weather conditions: Fish during overcast days or after a rainstorm, as salmon are more likely to bite.
• Regulations: Always check local fishing regulations for season dates, size limits, and bag limits.
• Safety: Be cautious of slippery rocks and strong currents, especially when wading in rivers.

The Final Word: Salmon Fishing Northern Michigan 

With this ultimate guide, you can now embark on your salmon fishing Northern Michigan adventure. From the top places to throw in a line to the accommodations that’ll help you kick back and relax at the end of the day, your salmon fishing trip planning starts here! 

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No matter the purpose of your northern Michigan trip - whether that be wine tasting, snowboarding, salmon fishing, or escaping the hustle and bustle of it all, make OTIS your home away from home. Our original boutique hotel is nestled in Harbor Springs, a town that’s quaint and quiet but connected to all that up north has to offer. 

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Explore our mid-century accommodations, where to eat and drink, or discover what makes OTIS the premier destination for northern Michigan travelers now. Before you go, get more travel guides and follow OTIS on Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest. 

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