Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
Whether it’s fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan, or catching your limit on Ludington’s Pere Marquette Lake–we’ve got the best variety of fishing here in Ludington. Some of the best charter captains on Lake Michigan make Ludington their home port, and will happily take people out on the lake to fish for salmon and trout. Anglers also love fishing in Ludington during the winter.
January kicks off the northern pike spearing season and Hamlin, Pere Marquette, and Lincoln Lakes offer plenty of action.
Hamlin Lake — There was six inches of ice out of Wilson Hill Park but anglers should avoid walking west out of the launch as there was open water there as of Sunday. Those targeting panfish out of Wilson Hill Park did well. Limits or near limits of bluegill, and some nice size crappie, were caught. Anglers reported an abundance of under size yellow perch in the area. Small jigs tipped with a wax worm worked best. Those targeting pike had to sort through undersized fish to find anything legal to keep. — Reported by DNR on 1/17/19.
Hamlin Lake —Was not completely froze; as there was open water on the northern sections of both the upper and lower lake. The bayous were mostly frozen however there was still some open water because of the moving water. Extreme caution needs to be used. Expect more ice to be blown open with the windy conditions. — Reported by DNR on 1/10/19.
Hamlin Lake — Fishing has been lighter the past several days, but seeing some nice bluegill and smaller perch. We had a good-sized walleye come in around dusk on Wednesday. There’s a about 1″ of slush on top of around 6″ of good ice. Still many people fishing, but biting has slowed down. If the expected nice weather happens this weekend, the catches should start kicking back in again. Hot tackle now is anything with a glow, anglers have switched to using red spikes. Stop into Hamlin Grocery for all your fishing supplies. — Reported by Vaughn Flewelling of Hamlin Grocery on 1/28/16.
Hamlin Lake — People fishing on the Indian Pete Bayou on Upper Hamlin Lake are catching nice bluegill and small lake perch. At the Narrows, there have been several nice pick caught in the last couple of days, along with some walleye. At Wilson Hill Park, Victory Park, and the old boy scout camp, the bluegill grounds are producing good catches, right up to the limits. Nice bluegill sizes from 8-10″. Wednesday this week was a little slow but the pace picked up from Wednesday evening into Thursday with multiple people catching the limit. Please be mindful of the rules about limits as the DNR has been out in full force. The ice is good, about 6 inches or more, with some slushy areas. Quads and sleds have been out this past week. Stop into Hamlin Grocery for your bait and tackle. We have a great supply of new jigs, tungstens, wax rims, spikes, red spikes, and mousies. Live bait includes perch minnows, golden shiners, suckers, blues and decoys. — Reported by Vaughn Flewelling of Hamlin Grocery on 1/22/16.
Hamlin Lake — Randon Shinsky landed a monster 46-inch, 28-pound muskie using a seven-tine Wilson spear. — Reported by Vaughn Flewelling of Hamlin Grocery on 1/24/16.
Hamlin Lake — According to a local fisherman: On Upper Hamlin Lake, the bluegill bite was slow, although there were reports of limit catches last weekend. However, near the end of this particular fishing session, a 24″ walleye was caught on a tungsten jig and a red spike 200 yards from Wilson Hill Park in 12 feet of water. So get out, wet a line and enjoy the great outdoors. — Reported by Advantage Marketing Staff on 1/21/16.
Pere Marquette River — Steelhead fishing has been good despite the cold. Try fishing the deeper holes. — Reported by DNR on 1/7/16.
Pere Marquette River — A local fisherman reports that the fish are in the Pere Marquette River flats, but the action is spotty. Some days are good, some not. There are lots of people fishing on the river today. — Reported by Advantage Marketing Staff on 1/6/16.
Pere Marquette River — This report was submitted to us by a local fisherman. After a couple hours fishing on a very cold morning December 27, he landed a 30 inch, 10 pound steelhead. The fishing started at daybreak on the river flats near Pere Marquette Lake. The air temperature was around 25 degrees with a cold northwest wind 10-15mph. Flat fish lures were used with no luck, then put a spawn bag on a set line and got the only fish of the day. — Reported by Advantage Marketing Staff on 1/1/16.
Pere Marquette River — Should also have good steelhead fishing by the end of the week as rain and warmer temperatures get the fish moving. — Reported by DNR on 2/11/16.
Once the ice freezes solid, venture out onto Hamlin Lake for some crappie action as well as great fishing for perch, walleye, and bluegills. And don’t forget about the free fishing weekend in Michigan every February, no permits needed!
Hamlin Lake — The ice is NOT safe for vehicles. Fishing improved as anglers were getting 10-15 panfish along the east side which included bluegill, crappie, sunfish and the occasional perch. Most of the perch were small. Crappie anglers fishing between Indian Pete’s Bayou and the Narrows were taking five to 10 fish per trip in 30 to 37 feet. A couple decent catches of bluegill and sunfish were taken from the North Bayou. Those fishing the walleye grounds off Duneview Road managed to get a couple legal size fish though many were too small. Pike anglers did well along the upper lake with tip-ups or when spearing though some were too small. — Reported by DNR on 2/21/19.
Pere Marquette River — Was also producing steelhead for those using spawn, beads and wax worms. — Look for steelhead in the deeper holes during the cold snap. Brown trout fishing was slow below Tippy Dam. With the next thaw, steelhead fishing should really pick up. — Reported by DNR on 2/20/20.
Pere Marquette River — Was also producing steelhead. — Reported by DNR on 2/13/20.
Pere Marquette River — Steelhead were caught by those fly fishing. Hot colors were pink, purple and blue. — Reported by DNR on 2/6/20.
Pere Marquette River — The bite was slow but those putting in the time were getting a couple steelhead. Most were found in the slow deep water. — Reported by DNR on 2/28/19.
Pere Marquette River — Should also have good steelhead fishing by the end of the week as rain and warmer temperatures get the fish moving. — Reported by DNR on 2/11/16.
Launch the spring season with steelhead catches in the Pere Marquette River and suckers that are plentiful from the crossroads and bridges. The cool nights of April bring smelt dippers out with their lights and nets to bring in bucket loads of the silvery fish. Late April kicks off the walleye, northern pike, muskie, and trout season. Brook, rainbow, and brown trout are ready for the catching in the Pere Marquette River and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
More from the fishing reports archives below:
Hamlin Lake — The ice along the shore has deteriorated significantly, thus limiting access. All the access points have open water. Ice fishing could be done. — Reported by DNR on 3/28/19.
Hamlin Lake — Anglers were getting panfish a half mile east of Wilson Hill Park however the action was hit-or-miss depending on the day. The better bite was in the evening. A number of crappie were caught in the crappie hole off Lincoln Road. The fish were suspended 10 feet off the bottom in 35 to 40 feet and hitting teardrop jigs with plastics, spikes or minnows. A couple walleye were caught in the evening off Duneview Drive. For the most part, fishing was slow. The only consistent bite was small perch. — Reported by DNR on 3/7/19.
Steelhead fishing is improving.
Steelhead fishing on the Pere Marquette River only will get better as we move closer to spring. Water temperatures were still a bit cold, running in the mid to upper 30s. Those fly fishing are hooking some fish.
Pere Marquette River is producing steelhead.
Launch the spring season with steelhead catches in the Pere Marquette River and suckers that are plentiful from the crossroads and bridges.
Lake Michigan — The fish cleaning station is now open and all but one dock is in. Surface water temperatures were about 38 degrees. Those trolling caught brown trout and lake trout with spoons and body baits in six to 12 feet. Small numbers of brown trout and lake trout were caught by pier anglers using spawn. A few perch were also caught off the pier. Smelt anglers found a few fish off the piers and near the creek mouths. — Reported by DNR on 4/25/19.
This time of year is great for charter fishing as brown trout, lake trout and some salmon and steelhead are prevalent. Fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River during this time of year is excellent. June is the time for perch fishing along the rocky waters off the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and on the inland lakes of Hamlin, Lincoln and Pere Marquette. This is also the season for fine crappie and pike fishing on the inland lakes.
Lake Michigan — Fishing has been very good for the first couple weeks post corona shut down!!! Trout have been close and in the last week so are the kings!!! Best this morning was the chute down rigger down 100′ with a Dreamweaver black and crush glow paddle with Big Water Meat rigs Moo Moo meat rig….
We set up in 120′ and trolled out to 180′ south of the Pump Storage Plant south of Ludington!! Give us a call today to get on this hot salmon action aboard the Lie A Lot….. (800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 5/25/20.
Lake Michigan — Fishing has been real good out of Ludington. Fished south of pump storage plant in 130-160′ with fish literally coming all over.
A 7 color with moonshine orange slice and a 300′ copper with the same mag orange slice… We dropped a couple trout rigs down early and the youngsters had a great time corraling them. Give us a call at Lie A Lot Charters today while the early spring kings are around!!!! (800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 5/30/20.
Lake Michigan — Had another great trip with Mike and Wendy!!!! Started out a little slow then picked up in a hurry!!! Fish came suspended on a 7 color leadcore and off bottom with spin n glows behind chrome and gold dreamweaver spin doctors!!!! Give me a call the fishing is very good and the weather is heating up!! (800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 5/8/21.
Fishing is on fire for lake trout south of the Project in 55fow. Some Kings are starting to show up. We need a strong sw wind. From Little Point south the water is warmer and we need to get it around the corner. Spin Doctors in Chrome and Trout Candy were hot for us yesterday with xmas tree and uv green tip spin-n-glos. Tried to stay out out of the trout and hit some kings speed trolling up to 3.5mph with 2 colors to 200 coppers and kept hitting and releasing trout on Moonshine RV mag Orange hulk, Blue Hulk and Flounder pounder. Had 1 possible king drive by on a 150 copper with a gold stinger Hot Jordo
A great crew on their anniversary. Now thats how you do it!! — Captain Glen Buehner on 5/5/19
Decided to run out and give the salmon a try! We set up in 100 and trolled north working out as far as 180 with anywhere from a 3 color to a 300 copper out.
Fish bit throughout the day primarily on mag glow spoons in green or blue. Best downrigger set was 57′ down with dreamweaver grean jeans stacked one on top of the other. Kings are here so give us a call to try and catch your next trophy!!! Lie A Lot Charters (800)-850-1978
Lake Michigan — Afternoons, yup…. We offer mornings and afternoons aboard the Lie A Lot!! We set up as we have the last few trips south out of Ludington Pier Heads in 50′ of water. The morning rain finally ended but the ensueing fog made seeing shore impossible. Lucky for us the fish didn’t mind and we preceeded to catch their 12 trout!!!! Best rigs continue to be a Dreamweaver chrome spin doctor 8″ with either blue or yellow spin and glows on or just off bottom!!!
Very enjoyable trip guys, hope to see you again!! Give us a call to come enjoy this great early Ludington fishing aboard the Lie A Lot…. (800)-850-1978
Hamlin Lake — Crappie were caught by those drifting minnows in front of Indian Pete’s Bayou and the scout camp. The bluegill and sunfish bite was slow but a few were caught near Tamarac Village and in front of the scout camp with crawlers or wax worms. The early season bass fishing was very good. — Reported by DNR on 5/23/19.
Hamlin Lake — The lower lake is completely open water. The upper lake still had ice which should be gone by the end of the week. There was about 100 feet of open water around the edge. — Reported by DNR on 5/4/19.
Hamlin Lake — Had very few anglers. Those that did make it out caught a few bass and the occasional pike. Bluegills along with a few perch and crappie were caught at the far south end near Tamarac Village. Those looking for perch on the north end had no luck. Water levels were still a few inches below the normal summer levels and the water was still cold at 48 degrees. — Reported by DNR on 5/2/19.
Hamlin Lake — Was producing some walleye and decent panfish action. — Reported by DNR on 5/26/16.
Pere Marquette River — Steelhead anglers are out but catch rates were slow. — Reported by DNR on 5/4/19.
This time of year is great for charter fishing as brown trout, lake trout and some salmon and steelhead are prevalent. Fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River during this time of year is excellent. June is the time for perch fishing along the rocky waters off the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and on the inland lakes of Hamlin, Lincoln and Pere Marquette. This is also the season for fine crappie and pike fishing on the inland lakes.
Fishing has been steady out of Ludington!! Set up north of the big point Sauble lighthouse in 150′.
Best rigs continue to be low wire divers with big water green mile meat rigs and a high diver with big water uv blue meat rigs. Highs out 260-280 and lows out 140-180. Dates are filling fast so call soon to book your next fishing trip aboard the Lie A Lot!!!! (800)-850-1978
Fishing continues to be very good out of Ludington!!!
Set up today south in 70′ and trolled sw out to 140′ of water. Most kings came on glow spoons on 10 color, 5 color, 300′ copper and a low diver out 120 and 150′ with dreamweaver white slick and Dreamweaver pickle sunshine meat rig. Book your June, July, or August trip today!!!! Lie A Lot Charters….. (800)-850-1978
Lake Michigan — Had another great trip out front of Ludington this morning!!!! Set up in 80′ and finished in 85′ with Dreamweaver lures chrome spin doctors and blue or yellow whirly gigs. Dates still available for the upcoming summer fun. Give us a call at (800)-850-1978 to book your adventure aboard Lie A Lot Charters today. — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 6/18/20.
Lake Michigan — Fishing has been very good all season aboard the Lie A Lot!!!! This morning started fast and continued until 9-930 when we finished up with a 3 man limit of trout and one salmon. Fished straight out of Ludington then trolled south towards Ludington Pump Storage facility. Best was at or near bottom with Dreamweaver chrome spin doctors and green, yellow or blue Dreamweaver whirly gigs. We do have this Friday newly available and future dates!! Give us a call today at (800)-850-1978 to book your adventure aboard the Lie A Lot!!!! — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 6/15/20.
Sorry about a late report but my lap-top wouldn’t load last night and trouble this morning also. Yesterday fishing was tough for most from Ludington to Manistee. Marking fish was the report but had trouble getting them going. Water has warmed up dramatically, had 51 degrees down 70ft. North troll off the bank 150fow from 02.5 to the stick w/o a bite and turned west, hit a double in 240fow, low diver back 150ft w/Netminder spin doc and a Gr Diabolical Meat Rig and 100ft down on a Mongollian Beef both elluded capture. Kept on a NW troll to get to the cold break offshore and had a steady pick out to 460fow when the fog moved in our bite quit for an hour?? Best rods were 200 Blood Run 45# Copper w/Yeck regular Bl/Gr Holographic Dolphin, Rigger 50-77 ft down w/Orange Flounder free slid with Yeck Wart Frog, 100ft Blood Run32# Coppers w/Stinger Naked Jordos(gold Blank), 150ft copper with Stinger Starburst. 10″ Kevins Girlfriend Gr Mile Meat Rig 160ft on a low wire. Moonshine Cyclonite and Mandarin Orange working also. Yeck mag holographic Bl/Gr Dolphin down 100ft Stacked with a Smitty 5ft above went and a blue Knight free slid at 45 ft was going. We had trouble getting fish to the boat, we were trolling 2.9-3.1 to cover ground and might have contributed to the poor hook-ups but with the good bite I didn’t want to change speed…..just one of those days. South troll from 06’s to 04’s slow bite but it picked up again on the 36 line just as we got to the 03’s and we took several fish and missed fish pulling lines. — Captain Glen Buehner on 6/30/19
Finally sw winds!! Surface didn’t warm up much but the temp pushed down to 80ft along the bank and the best fishing was 80-120ft down. The water from the hard winds was very stained to 03 and once past the very dirty water fishing picked up. Glow Frog, Yellow Frog, Net Minder Spin Docs with Froggy and Gr Mile Meat Rigs were good along with Diabolical Meat Rigs on low divers 140ft-160ft back. New Coyote Flasher Black w/Crush and Kevorkian Tape w/Moo Moo Meat rig down 100ft on rigger (they have a spinner in the middle of the blade, kinda interesting). Also hit on 300 Bloodrun coppers with Raspberry Carbon, 150 w/Starburst. Best bite was in 100-110fow, after bite slowed down worked out on a west troll and worked some slicks out to 330fow. We didn’t get far enough out to get to the coldest water. North troll was 2.9sog and the strong south to north current made it tough to get a good south troll, 1.6-1.9SOG.
Really nice fish being caught and Ma caught the biggest fish and the biggest fish of her life on a Net Minder with a Gr Diabolical Meat rig. She whined alot when the first run on the low diver smoked out over 300ft of line, lol — Captain Glen Buehner on 6/26/19
After 3 days of east winds we finally have a stretch of SW winds!! Fishing was tough yesterday, started in front of Pentwater in 85fow and worked out to 120fow. Hit a trout on the bottom off the bat on a 10″ Chrome spin doc w/Xmas tree spin-n-glo. As we trolled south the water was peeling off and getting colder. Turned back north to find the warmer water but it was gone and we weren’t marking fish much. Customers wanted to target Kings and we hit them from 117fow to 135fow. 60ft on rigger Moonshine Dolphin, 300 Copper Mag Raspberry Carbon & Smitty, 300 Copper Yeck Polecat, 80ft Rigger Steelhead came on Moonshine Mag Oscar, 200 Copper Blue Hulk. 100 copper regular 007 and Stinger Naked Jordo. 90-110fow was best for trout but that became tough as the water peeled also. Started w/53 degrees on the surface and 50deg down 45ft, water cooled off to 49 deg on the surface and 46deg down 45ft. Found 51 deg water out deeper and 55 from the 49’s to the 52’s but fish were very scattered. With stable weather and good wind direction the lake should set up and hopefully push the break in closer. Still some monster fish around, a 30lb king and 25lb Brown were weighed in at Captain Chucks this weekend, get out and join the Captain Chucks 30lb Club! — Captain Glen Buehner on 7/7/19
On Friday fishing was fair. Some boats did very well but it sounded like they hit the critical speed. Fishing was best inside of 120fow along the bank and north of the point inside 100fow. The full moon period hasn’t helped the bite any and today we have hard east winds which is spreading the water out worse and scattering the fish. Our best yesterday was Moonshine Mag R Dolphin 60ft down on a rigger, Silver Streak Purple Smurf 85 to 100ft on a high Diver, Orange Flounder on rigger 45ft free slid with a SS Starburst. One angler had a great bite going on a 10″ White Slick Spin Doc w/Moo Moo Meat Rig back 120ft on a low wire. Next week we are supposed to get SW winds and warmer weather. Sounds like the entire coast of Michigan is struggling today. It’s June and the lake is trying to set up and it takes time but we definitely need some stable weather.
Yesterday was Veterans Day and 30+ boats participated and a group of people packaged and cleaned fish for them. Thanks to all the boaters/Captains and help cleaning fish to support our troops!!
Father and son trip yesterday. Son with his first big King 22lbs that smoked a high diver, complained that it was hurting his arms lol — Captain Glen Buehner on 7/7/19
June 16, 2019
Despite the big winds, rough water and the surface temps falling like a rock fishing remains good. Steelhead are showing up in decent numbers—it’s time. Kings are being caught from the Point to north of Manistee and from the 52’s to Little Point. Mixed bags of kings of different age classes, steelhead and lakers are being captured. New Buffalo to Saugatuck is on fire for coho and hopefully they start to move up the coast soon. Bait is starting to show up in better numbers also. Hopefully we get some clear days to get some surface temp maps. This week looks like great weather, get out go fishing!! — Captain Glen Buehner on 6/16/19
The Little River Band placed assessment nets in the 01’s yesterday in 100-130fow and 150-170fow. These will be removed mid morning today. They are graded mesh gill nets to assess fish fish species and size. Typically trying to locate whitefish and lakers. Again, please do not damage these nets they are only 24hr assessment nets!! — Captain Glen Buehner on 6/12/19
Hamlin Lake — Bluegill and sunfish are on their beds, but fishing was slow as the number caught was in the single digits. Bass fishing remains good with 2-4 pound largemouth caught. Walleye fishing was slow. Water temperatures were about 68 degrees.— Reported by DNR on 6/27/19.
Hamlin Lake — The bluegill and sunfish action finally picked up as good numbers of fish were taken when drifting or still-fishing with a worm and bobber in front of Barnhart’s Restaurant. Bluegills are on the beds now and have not yet spawned. Bass anglers are still doing very well with good size largemouth and the occasional smallmouth taken. A couple walleye were caught in the lower lake by those drifting or trolling. Crappie fishing slowed down but a few were caught by those targeting bluegills.— Reported by DNR on 6/13/19.
Hamlin Lake — Crappie were caught in front of Indian Pete’s Bayou when drifting minnows or plastics. The bite in front of the scout camp slowed. Bass anglers did well throughout the lake with mostly largemouth taken. Bluegill fishing remained slow as water temperatures were about 63 degrees.— Reported by DNR on 6/6/19.
This time of year is great for charter fishing as brown trout, lake trout and some salmon and steelhead are prevalent. Fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River during this time of year is excellent. June is the time for perch fishing along the rocky waters off the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and on the inland lakes of Hamlin, Lincoln and Pere Marquette. This is also the season for fine crappie and pike fishing on the inland lakes.
Lake Michigan — Fishing on Lake Michigan has been productive for Kings and Coho the last couple weeks, several large fish and high volumes of alewives have been present (nobody giving up much more information with the off shore classic next week.) .— Reported by PM Expeditions on 7/12/22.
Lake Michigan — Another great morning of fishing aboard the Lie A Lot! Big water froggy meat rig went 3 times so far and the green mile both on divers! Get to Ludington soon! Fishing’s been good! Call Lie A Lot Charters at (800) 850-1978.— Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 7/17/21.
Lake Michigan — The Lie A Lot had one of those magical mornings yesterday! Sooo much fun hearing them drags screaming! Even had a triple around 8am! One ran into the other and sawed it off! It slid down the other, wrapped up in it and we reeled in 50lbs of kings! Great morning out of Ludington! Big water tackles green mile meat rigs and froggy meat rigs behind Dreamweaver spin doctor were the ticket! (800) 850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 7/15/21.
Lake Michigan — The south blow we had this weekend brought kings in and the n a north and north east wind has cooled the water down and made fishing tougher again. Black Paddles and Pickeled Sunshine flies on deep rigger and low wires 69-120ft back are working. Moonshine Mongollian Beef stacked with a Yeck Wart frog 60-65ft down. 200 Coppers w/Mahi Mahi and Green Shorts. 300-400 coppers w/ Kevins Girlfriend and Pickeled Sunshine. Best water is South of the Project 90-140fow. Tons of bait has shown up with the fish. Steelhead have shown up in better numbers and hopefully coho are soon to follow. — Reported by Captain Glen Buehner on 7/31/19.
Lake Michigan — Kings are finally showing themselves!!! Big water green mile meat rig behind green spin doctors on a low diver was best! Took a Fed early on glow spoons on full core and 225 copper as well. Book your adventure soon before dates are filled up!! Lie A Lot Charters (800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 7/30/19.
Lake Michigan —
Now that the tournaments are over posts will be regular.
Fishing for salmon has been tough, few fish have been around. In the offshore Classic some monster Kings showed up but it was a strong lake trout tournament. Most of the big Kings were caught off of Manistee, a 37.75lb fish was weighed in. Lake Trout fishing has been good straight out and south to the 54’s in 80-90fow after the north winds this week and the water cooled off. With the south blow today and water warming up the trout should move back out to 100-130fow. Riggers with cowbells w/peanuts or spin-n-glos are doing well, along w/Chrome Spin Docs, Trout Candy, Chrome Mixed Veggie with Green, Mtn Dew, Glo Spi-n-glos and DW Whirly gigs. I did find a batch of kings in the 51’s in the 35’s to 39s on Tuesday. It wasn’t a normal offshore fast troll program but very slow and deep even with the break 30ft down. At daybreak fish were hitting at 2.8SOG on spoons Moonshine Flounder Pounder, Gr. Knight, Wonder Bread free slider the others were on riggers 55ft to 60ft down. 100 Copper with Naked Jordo, 200 Copper with Yeck Mag Bl/Gr Holographic Dolphin then the bite quickly shut down. Struggled to get bit. Put a Kevins Girlfriend w/Pickeled Sunshine fly down 100ft and slowed the troll to 1.9Sog and immediately got bit, dropped low wires back to 200ft with Netminder and Diabolical Gr. Reaper Meat Rig and 10″ Kevins Girlfriend w/ Diabolical Gr. Reaper Meatrig and they started to fire.
Yetserday fished the bank north from 01.5 to the 7’s. Started off in 140fow w/no bites, slid into 105fow north of the point and captured a Chinook low diver 160ft back on Netminder w/Gr Reaper Meatrig. Then cowbells started to fire on the bottom for trout. Lotsa trash and weeds made keeping rods clean tough. Noticed we had to be out of the dirty water to catch fish. The south blow today is really pushing some dirty water along the shore north and the water is warming up, hoping this brings the Kings in!
Some of the kings we caught offshore this week, and a great group of YMCA camp kids on a 2 boat trip HATTRICK AND RAPTOR pounding on the trout.
— Reported by Captain Glen Buehner on 7/27/19.
Lake Michigan — Surface waters were 65 degrees. Some big Chinook salmon over 30 pounds were caught 40 to 90 feet down in 120 to 250 feet when trolling spoons and meat rigs. Lake trout action slowed a bit however fish were still being caught along the bottom in 100 to 180 feet. The piers were closed for safety reasons because of the highwater levels. — Reported by DNR on 7/25/19.
Lake Michigan — Surface temperate readings were about 67 degrees. The better fishing seemed to be near the Ludington Pump Storage facility and south. Lake trout fishing remains hot especially when bouncing the bottom in 80 to 120 feet. Slow salmon fishing with only a couple found 30 to 90 feet down in waters up to 150 feet or so. The occasional steelhead was caught. Pier fishing remains slow. — Reported by DNR on 7/18/19.
Lake Michigan — Had another great family aboard this morning!!! Set up a little south of pier head’s and trolled south towards pump storage plant. Best continues to be chrome Dreamweaver spin doctors with blue and chrome or yellow and chrome spin n glows.
It’s been steady all season and looks to continue with the up ing salmon migration!!! Book your charter soon before we run out of dates!!!! Lie A Lot Charters (800)-850-1978
Lake Michigan — A good number of lake trout were caught in 90 to 200 feet when bottom bouncing cowbells and spin-glo’s. Pier fishing was slow. — Reported by DNR on 7/11/19.
Lake Michigan — Following the north blow was a huge guess where to go?? Water peeled from the Point south, Fri night we had 73 deg, it was 43 this am. Decided to start 59.1 on a south troll pointed at the weather buoy?? It worked out for us today 85fow. 2 riggers on the bottom were best for us, they were on fire, Chrome Mixed Veggie Spin Doc w/UV Gr Tip Spin-n-Glo and 10″ Chrome Spin Dioc w/Xmas Tree Spin-n-glo was outstanding. Took a big King on a Moonshine Gr Knight 50ft down on a rigger. On a south troll turned north at 56.7 and went north a mile and we were done Also hit fish with a high diver w/LT Candy Spin Doc and UV GreenTip Spin-n-glo and A Low wire with 10″ Spin Doc w/Xmas Tree Spin-n-glo in the mud.
Had a great time aboard the RAPTOR with a family from Missouri. The kids were nonstop on the rods, on trout. They get to go home w/fish to eat and great memories, and the girls wanted to hear about my daughters Bachlorette party nn the boat friday afternoon. Fun day and fish dances from the girls this morning when we went 5 min w/o a bite, dang this captain is horrible, LOL
— Captain Glen Buehner on 7/7/19.
Fishing is good or poor based on your perspective. Catching trout is getting better. Bait and sea fleas are showing up and are the normal precurser to godd king Fishing. My steady Eddie worked again a couple of times last night taking a nice King and a trout just, north of the Point on a low diver back 160ft. A Netminder with a Diabolical meatrig called Gr. reaper. Also took fish on a Bl Bubble Spin Doc w/Bl Moo Meatrig back 150ft on a High Diver. Trout are moing in and that is the bread and butter fishing. As we get closer to the Ludington Tournament the Kings usually show up again, let’s hope!!
Gotta be nuts to take 6 crazed bridal shower women out on your boat. Have had Bachelor parties out and they are so mellow compared to Bachlorette groups. – Captain Glen Buehner on 7/6/19.
Lake Michigan — Kings have been hard to find the last couple of outings! So we switched gears and have been doing very well on Lake trout the past couple of trips. Fished in front of the pump storage plant in 100-110′ of water. Spin n glows behind chrome spin doctors and yeck tin can dodgers have been the best, at or near bottom. Dates are booking fast so give us a call at Lie A Lot Charters to secure your desired date!! (800)-850-1978 — Captain Mike Darke on 7/5/19.
Lake Michigan — Boat anglers found a few Chinook, steelhead and lake trout 80 to 140 feet down in 120 to 250 feet with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Fish were also found out deep in 300 feet or more. Pier fishing was slow.— Reported by DNR on 7/4/19.
Lake Michigan – Fishing has been tough out of Pentwater to Manistee—-also sounds like much to most of the lake is. Afternoons out of Ludington have been good compared to the mornings though. Straight out on the crown, along the bank, off the bank in 200-240fow gotta try different depths and find actiuve fish. Tuesday afternoon the break was much shallower than it had been 45 @ 65ft, wednesday morning it had pushed back down with some really weird currents. Hit fish 130-160ft back on low wires with Kevins Girlfriend Spin Doc w/Diabolical Gr Reaper Meat Rig and Netminder Spin Doc w/Gr Mile Meat Rig. 400 45# Bloodrun Copper with a Glow Blade Green Slick Spin Doc and Pickeled sunshgine fly down the shoot as a Polish Downrigger! (Polish Down rigger–let all the copper out attach a 8oz weight and count the amt of bars back, I have been going back 10 passes on the reel). 300 copper on Mean Jeans, 100 copper Naked Jordo
All you hard core anglers 8yr old girl on a low wire knocked this king flat and helped rinse and bag our catch. Great job Samantha! – Captain Glen Buehner on 7/4/19.
Hamlin Lake — Overall fishing was slow. Those targeting bluegill had a tough time with only six keepers per trip. Same story with perch and crappie, lucky to get 10 keepers per trip. Bass fishing was fair. Walleye fishing on the south end was slow. Though most anglers are complaining about them there are plenty of freshwater drum to be caught. Water temperatures were up to 79 degrees which is playing a part in the slow fishing.— Reported by PM Expeditions on 7/18/19.
Pere Marquette Lake — PM Lake fishing has been relatively slow, some northerns and smallmouth being caught near the shorelines.— Reported by PM Expeditions on 7/12/22.
Pere Marquette River — PM River fishing has been rather slow, up stream water is low, clear and warming up fast. — Reported by PM Expeditions on 7/12/22.
Lake Michigan — The bumpy morning ride out in the dark was followed by a slow start with one fish in the first hour. Then Captain Joe Marion was blessed with a BIRTHDAY surprise and the coho feeding frenzy began. The Parnicky Family battled their way to 14 of 28 bites to the cooler. 9 Coho, 4 Steelies and 1 king came back to the fish cleaning station today. The Coho were quick to hit, run, twist, turn and miss. The mayhem of bites came on: – 300 Copper with a mag Moonshine Bloody Nose – 400 Copper with a Dreamweaver Dragon Slayer 8 in Spin Doctor with a Modified Blue Fairways meat rig – High Diver out 175 with a Dreamweaver Blue Green Dolphin spoon – Low diver with a 8 in Dreamweaver Dragon Slayer Spin Doctor and a Pickled sunshine Fly – Rigger down 75 with a regular Moonshine Sarge spoon and Yeck Fireball spoon as a pinned slider – Chute rigger with a all natural glow Dreamweaver Captains Choice Plug early in the morning then a 8 in Dreamweaver Blue Bubble spin doctor and Blue Bubble Fly – Rigger down 80 with Magnum Moonshine Green Knight spoon and Magnum moonshine green jeans spoon pinned above – Low diver 160 with Dreamweaver 8 in double glo white crush spindoctor/ blue fairways meat rig – High diver 200 with 8 in Dreamweaver Dragon slayer spindoctor with liquid sunshine fly – 450 copper with Moonshine regular RV bad toad spoon – 350 copper with Magnum Moonshine flounder pounder spoon — Reported by Gary Smith on 8/15/21.
Lake Michigan — I hope the season continues with fishing this good through September!!!!
Kings are biting in the unseasonably high cool water, and have been very speradic with some running divers out to 7-800′ and others running up past the boat!!! Big water uv green and uv on ice meat rigs went best today on divers out 150-180 on highs and 90-100 on lows!! Few dates left and the it’s been a Great summer of fishing in Ludington!!! Give us a call today (800)-850-1978 Lie A Lot Charters
Lake Michigan — The lake rolled over which caused a good number of Chinook salmon to run into Pere Marquette Lake. Those trolling around the piers, in the channel and into the lake caught fish on spoons and J-plugs. Those fishing offshore were still bringing in a fair number of fish. Try 20 to 50 feet down in 60 to 120 feet with spoons, meat rigs and J-plugs in the early morning. — Reported by DNR on 8/29/19.
Lake Michigan — Fishing has been spotty overall. You need to be on the fish. Water nearshore is a wreck after a few days of north and east winds. 4000s have been good from the 53’s south. North of the point in 300-400fow. Break is high. 100 coppers to 400 coppers are working well 35 to 90ft down on riggers, 150-180ft back on high divers, 90-120ft back on low divers. Spoons have been good, Moonshine Gr Jeans, Blue Hulk, Gr Hulk, Flounder Pounder. Yeck Jerid and Lightning and Bush Bean ,Stinger Naked Jordo and SOG. Free sliders are taking fish well. Meat Rigs on Spin Doctors, my best has been a Closer w/UV on Ice Meat Rig. Showtime with Blue Moo has been good. Best flasher fly combo for me has been 8″ White Slick and Pickeled Sunshine fly. A bunch of 30plus pound fish are still being caught. Get out and get some — Reported by Captain Glen Buehner on 8/10/19.
Lake Michigan — ****Today in front of Pentwater on the 47 line the Little River Band is setting assessment nets. 60-80fow and 100-120fow. These are 24 sets and will be pulled tomorrow morning!!!
Fishing has been spotty overall. You need to be on the fish. Water nearshore is a wreck after a few days of north and east winds. 4000s have been good from the 53’s south. North of the point in 300-400fow. Break is high. 100 coppers to 400 coppers are working well 35 to 90ft down on riggers, 150-180ft back on high divers, 90-120ft back on low divers. Spoons have been good, Moonshine Gr Jeans, Blue Hulk, Gr Hulk, Flounder Pounder. Yeck Jerid and Lightning and Bush Bean ,Stinger Naked Jordo and SOG. Free sliders are taking fish well. Meat Rigs on Spin Doctors, my best has been a Closer w/UV on Ice Meat Rig. Showtime with Blue Moo has been good. Best flasher fly combo for me has been 8″ White Slick and Pickeled Sunshine fly. A bunch of 30plus pound fish are still being caught. Get out and get some — Reported by Captain Glen Buehner on 8/6/19.
Lake Michigan — Surface temperature readings were near 72 degrees. Though the fish were a bit scattered, big Chinook salmon are coming in. Most were 50 to 80 feet down in 400 feet or more. Chinook, steelhead and a small number of coho were 40 to 60 feet down in 90 to 300 feet. Meat rigs and spoons worked best. Chinook are also being caught around the piers. — Reported by DNR on 8/15/19.
Lake Michigan — Fishing, morning or evening has been steady with a nice mixed bag of kings, coho, steelhead and a few lake trout. Best rigs were kg spin doctors with uv green big water meat rigs on a 300′ copper.
Few dates left in August give us a call soon to enjoy your trip aboard the Lie A Lot!!! (800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 8/11/19.
Lake Michigan — Still getting some huge Kings, many mid to upper 20’s and fish everyday over 30lbs. The warmer water has pushed in closer after the west winds but remains very cold on the inside. Break is 30ft or less down. Some steelhead, coho and lakers in the mix. White Slick 8″ Spin Doc w/Pickeled Sunshine flies have been good on high divers 100-140ft back. White Crush Paddles 60ft down. Black Crush Paddles on divers 80ft back. Yeck Bush bean, Lightning, Jerids, Bad Chicken on 100-200 coppers. Closer on high diver back 165ft w/ UV Gasoline meat rigs. Water is stirred up from the wind and the best water is outside of the white clay water. North of the Point that was 160ft to 280fow for us today. 00’s to 02.5 was good. Dancing Anchovy taking fish on a high diver back 110ft. Moonshine Mahi Mahi, Green Jeans on 200-300ft coppers. — Reported by Captain Glen Buehner on 8/10/19.
Lake Michigan — Surface temperatures were near 70 degrees and the Chinook salmon fishing was heating up. Fish were found 30 to 50 feet down in 100 to 150 feet or 40 to 70 feet down in 300 to 400 feet. Steelhead and a couple lake trout were also caught. Meat rigs and spoons were producing the better catches. Pier fishing remains slow. — Reported by DNR on 8/8/19.
Lake Michigan — Fishing continues to be very very good out of Ludington!!!
This afternoon again did not disappoint with the kids having steady action!!! Have a few spots still available, give us a call today to book your adventure!!! Lie A Lot Charters…..(800)-850-1978 — Reported by Captain Mike Darke on 8/2/19.
Lake Michigan — Surface temps were at about 70 degrees. The current was still very strong at Sable Point and the beach area is still closed for safety reasons. The north pier is always closed if there’s any wind over 10 mph. Chinook were starting to show up with the best fishing found off shore in 120 to 200 feet of water, 70 to 90 feet down. Meat rigs and flies were most fruitful. Lake trout were caught off shore while bouncing the bottom. — Reported by DNR on 8/1/19.
Hamlin Lake — Fishing was still tough because of the warm water and weeds. Some did manage a couple walleye per trip in 20 to 40 feet with a crawler harness or body bait. Bass anglers did fair. Some found fish in shallow water near shore when it was calm, while others found them in 15 to 20 feet. Most were largemouth, but a couple nice smallmouth were caught in front of the dunes and on the east side of Lower Hamlin. — Reported by DNR on 8/15/19.
Hamlin Lake — Had slow fishing as the water is very dirty especially in Upper Hamlin. There are a lot of weeds both floating and submerged. Anglers did manage to get a walleye or two with a crawler harness or body bait right on the bottom in 20 to 40 feet. Bass were caught in less than 20 feet in Lower Hamlin. The panfish action was extremely slow even in deep water. With all the freshwater drum, some anglers are enjoying the action as these fish can put up a good fight. — Reported by DNR on 8/8/19.
Pere Marquette Lake — Chinook salmon were still being caught in the channel and the lake when trolling spoons and J-plugs — Reported by DNR on 8/22/19.
Pere Marquette Lake — Anglers are catching Chinook salmon in the channel and the lake. Those trolling were using J-plugs. — Reported by DNR on 8/15/19.
Lake Michigan —Still had warmer water. Coho and steelhead were hitting spoons 50 to 90 feet down in 200 to 400 feet where the cooler water was found. Pier anglers caught small coho on spawn. — Reported by DNR on 9/26/19.
Lake Michigan —Chinook, coho and steelhead were taken 60 to 100 feet down in waters 200 feet and deeper when trolling spoons, flies and meat rigs. Surface water temperatures were up near 65 degrees. Pier fishing was slow. — Reported by DNR on 9/19/19.
Lake Michigan —Coho were starting to show up in the Sable River at the State Park. Surface water temperatures were at about 64 degrees. Offshore fishing for Chinook slowed. Anglers were having success with steelhead and coho in 200 to 400 feet of water, 60 to 90 feet down. Spoons and meat rigs worked best. Pier fishing remained slow. — Reported by DNR on 9/12/19.
Lake Michigan —Fishing was tough when the lake rolled over and the water was warm from top to bottom. Most were heading deep and targeting the top 80 to 100 feet in 200 to 400 feet where they caught Chinook, coho and steelhead on spoons and meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow.— Reported by DNR on 9/5/19.
Fished the guys from square deal right by the river today!!!!
We came out of the marina and set up with j plugs and meat rigs!!! After losing our first couple we went 7-8 with 3 over #25 and the biggest 26.7!!!! Thankx again square deal for the business and a great outing!!!! Lie A Lot Charters (800)-850-1978
Hamlin Lake —Fishing was slow, but the bluegill fishing was starting to pick up on the upper lake. Bass fishing was decent on the lower lake. Water temps were 64 to 66 degrees. — Reported by DNR on 9/19/19.
Hamlin Lake —Fishing was slow, but the bluegill fishing was starting to pick up on the upper lake. Bass fishing was decent on the lower lake. Water temps were 64 to 66 degrees. — Reported by DNR on 9/12/19.
Pere Marquette River—Salmon were still running and could be found in the South Branch in Oceana County. — Reported by DNR on 9/26/19.
Pere Marquette River—Some are still catching salmon with spoons and J-plugs. — Reported by DNR on 9/19/19.
Pere Marquette Lake—Chinook fishing slowed way down and many fish moved into the river. — Reported by DNR on 9/12/19.
Pere Marquette River—A good run of Chinooks had begun.— Reported by DNR on 9/12/19.
Pere Marquette Lake—Those trolling or jigging for salmon continue to catch fish on spoons or J-plugs. — Reported by DNR on 9/5/19.
Pere Marquette River—Was starting to see more some salmon moving up into the river as water temperatures were favorable with the cooler weather. The better fishing was in the lower reaches. — Reported by DNR on 9/5/19.
Lake Michigan —Pier anglers and those surf casting from shore were getting some steelhead. Most were using spawn, flies or small spoons. Those surf casting could be found at the State Park. — Reported by DNR on 10/31/19.
Lake Michigan —The city has removed all but one dock at the boat launch. Fishing remains slow, with only a few caught by pier anglers using spawn. Those surfcasting at the state park caught a couple coho. — Reported by DNR on 10/24/19.
Lake Michigan —When anglers can get out, a few coho were caught at the State Park. Water temperatures have cooled to the mid 50’s. — Reported by DNR on 10/17/19.
Lake Michigan —Surface temperatures were about 62 degrees. Coho were starting to show up at Ludington State Park. Water levels were still high but receding. The salmon run could peak this week. Salmon have been caught in the Big South Branch as well. A good number of large fish have been reported but most were turning dark. Look for steelhead which follow the salmon and usually hit on spawn or beads. — Reported by DNR on 10/10/19.
Hamlin Lake —Bluegill fishing was consistent in the upper lake with 10-20 fish per trip when floating worms in 6 to 10 feet. Bass fishing has slowed which many believe is due to the large algae bloom on in the lake.Water temperatures were 62 degrees. — Reported by DNR on 10/3/19.
Pere Marquette River — was producing some steelhead. — Reported by DNR on 10/31/19.
Pere Marquette River — Salmon fishing is winding down. — Reported by DNR on 10/24/19.
Pere Marquette River — Bluegill fishing was consistent in the upper lake with 10-20 fish per trip when floating worms in 6 to 10 feet. Bass fishing has slowed which many believe is due to the large algae bloom on in the lake.Water temperatures were 62 degrees. — Reported by DNR on 10/17/19.
Pere Marquette River — Continued to produce steelhead. The fish were bouncing back after the cold spell so the bite should be good for the next week or so. — Reported by DNR on 11/21/19.
Pere Marquette River — Also has steelhead, including some good size fish being caught. While the bite may have slowed with the cold weather, it should rebound once it warms back up. Try fishing the deeper holes. — Reported by DNR on 11/14/19.
Pere Marquette River — Water levels are up. Those targeting steelhead were getting a few, mainly on flies. Try an egg pattern or a bead. — Reported by DNR on 11/7/19.
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.
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.
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
Advertisement – Please scroll below for more Ludington fishing information.
The Ludington area is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas rent a variety of boats and offer modern facilities.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
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.
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Is your business located in Ludington? Contact us today to learn about advertising opportunities with VisitLudington.com.
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