Fishing Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, or the big pond as many Wisconsinites know it, is the number one most frequently visited water in Wisconsin and it's easy to see why. Whether by boat or on shore, a fishing pole will bring you some of the state's best and most diverse fishing, not to mention picturesque views.

And with more than 15 million fish stocked annually to keep populations healthy - there's a good chance they'll be a bite at your line.

Fishing Lake Michigan

Find places to fish on your own or take a charter! This information will help you get started.

King salmon are a staple of Lake Michigan's fishery.

• Lake Michigan Fishing Report
• Root River Report
• Find Places to Fish From Shore
• Find a Tributary to Fish
• "Hook into a Good Time" - Questions and answers about taking your first charter fishing trip.
• Find a Fishing Charter [exit DNR]
• Don't get trapped in commercial fishing nets [PDF 57KB]
• Fish Consumption Advice

What Fish Might I Catch?

• Game Fish You Might Catch
• Lake Michigan Record Fish
• FAQ - Salmon and Trout

Get Weather Conditions

• Current stream flow [exit DNR]
• Current stream conditions (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH) [exit DNR]
• Lake Michigan surface temperatures [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin weather conditions [exit DNR]
• Marine forecast - Lake Michigan - North and South Half [exit DNR]
• Lake Michigan Buoys [exit DNR]

More Resources

• Lake Michigan Charter Application Form
• Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum [exit DNR]
• News Releases
• Root River Steelhead Facility Self-Guided Tour