Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
There are numerous places for anglers to try their luck, and Hamlin Lake has such a great variety of fish. Walleye is plentiful in Hamlin Lake, as are bass, perch, bluegill, crappie, pike, and more.
Fishing is popular all year on Hamlin Lake.
Although some ice fishing anglers are reluctant to see the last ice leave the lake, boaters are anxiously awaiting the lake levels to raise and the boating/fishing season to begin. Late April kicks off the walleye, northern pike, and muskie season on Hamlin Lake.
This is the season for fine crappie and pike fishing on Hamlin Lake. Crappie, bluegill, and small mouth bass fishing are also excellent.
During the autumn steelhead and Salmon Runs, anglers line the banks of the Big Sable River which courses through the Ludington State Park. These fish jumping over the Hamlin Dam is a sight to see! This mile-long stretch from Hamlin Lake is a favorite as the catches are definitely worth writing home about.
Once the ice freezes, anglers venture out onto Hamlin Lake for some bluegill or walleye fishing.
It’s ice fishing season and Hamlin Lake offers plenty of action. Northern pike season begins in January, while February and March bring crappie action on Hamlin Lake where perch, walleye, and bluegills also can be found.
Area sports shops provide licenses, equipment, and up-to-date information on ice and fishing conditions. Grab some bait, your fishing pole, and create your very own “fish story” right here on Hamlin Lake.
Anglers love fishing on Hamlin Lake during the winter. Hamlin Lake is located just four miles north of Ludington in West Michigan. Ice fishing on Hamlin Lake is a great way to enjoy the winter — just set up a shanty and get ready to catch some bluegills, crappies, perch, walleye, pike and muskie. Several ice fishing tournaments are held each winter on Hamlin Lake.
Dave Mahannah, former owner of North Bayou Resort, says there are many good spots. “Jig fishing for walleye occurs on the drop off of the North Bayou north towards the narrows and in front of the dunes.” He says the edge of the drop off of the channel coming out of the narrows in Upper Hamlin Lake is also a good spot for walleye. “Small jig fishing for bluegill occurs primarily on Upper Hamlin Lake north and northeast of Wilson Hill Park boat launch,” he says. “The South Bayou is also a spot fished for bluegill.”
Mahannah says crappie fishing at night occurs primarily from late January through February on the drop offs at the north and south sides of Upper Hamlin Lake.perch
Mahannah prefers the tip-up method of fishing, also known as jigging, compared to spearing, “primarily because there is no such thing as spear and release. Some fishermen see spearing as an advantage because the fisherman remains in a heated shanty next to the hole. Plus, there are no worries of breaking a line.” According to Mahannah, the disadvantages include not being able to cover a large area, and sitting in a dark shanty because of the need for darkness to see in the hole.
The State of Michigan offers its residents and out-of-state visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year. According to the Michigan Fisheries Department (517) 373-1280, the Free Fishing Weekend February date is always the weekend before President’s Day. For both days, all fishing licenses will be waived, but fishing regulations still apply. Enjoy great fishing on inland lakes and all five Great Lakes.
At more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large, Hamlin Lake touches Manistee National Forest on the north, towering dunes in the west and miles of undeveloped wilderness all around. This man made lake originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees felled upstream.
Hamlin Lake is a beautiful 5,000 acre water paradise just north of Ludington in West Michigan! Read the stories below or go to the Hamlin Lake destination page.
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
Hamlin Lake is home to several parks and numerous dunes for exploration and leisure. Pack a picnic, cast your line, and enjoy the sites.
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Read about the mighty dam that lives in Hamlin Lake, how it came to be and how it is utilized to help protect this man-made lake.
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
Explore Hamlin Lake by boat, and you'll see why Hamlin Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Over 5,000 acres, pure enjoyment!
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Enjoy this small, relaxing park as an easy place to place your boat in the water or throw a line out to catch some pan fish for dinner.
Long Skinny Park is located on Lower Hamlin Lake between the South and Middle bayous. Perfect for fishing or taking in the view.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Enjoy a picnic by Upper Hamlin Lake. With grills, a pavilion and picnic tables available, this park provides the perfect family setting.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake's Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
If there's one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it's excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Read about the history of Hamlin Lake, when it was created, and the major role this lake played in the milling industry in Ludington.
With some of the best fishing and boating around, Hamlin Lake brings much delight as well as some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops.
The Michigan DNR has announced that Ludington State Park will be closed from September 3rd, 2024-July 1st, 2025 for improvements.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
The Ludington area is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas rent a variety of boats and offer modern facilities.
This Hamlin Lake Fishing Map details what kind of fish you might catch in various sections of the lake. Helpful for all anglers.
Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
Here you will find past fishing reports for the Ludington area, including Lake Michigan, PM Lake, PM River, and Hamlin Lake.
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