The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a true angler’s paradise, yet many of its best fishing locations remain hidden gems. With over 1,700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 4,300 inland lakes, and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, the UP offers incredible fishing diversity beyond the well-known hotspots. Whether you’re seeking trophy walleye, native brook trout, or the thrill of landing a monster pike, these seven underrated fishing destinations deliver exceptional experiences without the crowds.
1. Hessel Bay: Trophy Splake Fishing
Hidden in the eastern UP, Hessel offers an outstanding opportunity for catching splake – a unique brook and lake trout hybrid that the Michigan DNR stocks in select Upper Peninsula locations.
“Fishing for splake out of Hessel is a great experience,” says DNR creel clerk Mike Ferguson. “Since 2015, I’ve noticed the fish being caught here have been getting bigger and bigger.”
Many anglers have landed Master Angler-sized splake (minimum 25 inches) from Lake Huron off Hessel, with the largest measuring an impressive 34.5 inches. What makes this fishery special is its accessibility and reliability throughout much of the year.
When to fish Hessel for splake:
- Spring (just after ice-out): Fish in 6-8 feet near Hessel Marina
- Mid-season (55-58°F water temps): Target fish in Wilderness Bay, trolling at Point Brule
- Summer: Follow the fish as they move toward Lake Huron, hugging rocky structure in 12-20 feet of water
Pro tip: Unlike pure lake trout that prefer open water, splake tend to stay closer to shorelines with rocky structure, especially as water warms.
2. Little Bay de Noc: Spring “Slam” Opportunities
While many anglers know Little Bay de Noc for walleye, its spring “slam” opportunities for multiple species remain surprisingly overlooked. In May, this northern Lake Michigan bay offers the exciting chance to catch both chrome steelhead and trophy smallmouth bass in the same waters on the same day.
The river mouths that feed into the bay—including the Whitefish, Days, and Escanaba Rivers—host multiple target species during spring migrations. As one local notes, “Big Bay [de Noc] is a lot of fun to fish as well, and has almost no pressure.”
Fishing considerations:
- Watch weather carefully as these bays can become dangerous in windy conditions
- Target river mouths in spring for mixed-species action
- Fish shallow reefs for smallmouth bass as water temperatures rise
Safety note: These bays are shallow with numerous reefs and “turn into washing machines” in poor weather conditions. Always monitor forecasts carefully when fishing here.
3. Lake Gogebic: Nearshore Walleye Heaven
At 13,380 acres, Lake Gogebic is the UP’s largest inland lake, yet it remains relatively uncrowded compared to other major walleye destinations. Located in the western Upper Peninsula, this lake is renowned for its exceptional nearshore walleye fishery.
The Michigan DNR has implemented special sport fishing regulations here that allow anglers the option of keeping two walleyes between 13-15 inches within their five-fish daily possession limit. This management approach has helped maintain quality fishing while allowing for harvest.
Available species include:
- Walleye (primary target)
- Smallmouth bass
- Northern pike
- Jumbo perch
- Some whitefish
The Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce hosts tagged fish contests throughout the season with thousands of dollars in prizes, adding extra excitement to your fishing adventure. Various lodging options, restaurants, and bait shops around the lake provide all necessities for visitors.
4. Backwoods Brook Trout Streams
The Upper Peninsula’s countless small streams holding native brook trout create a fly fishing experience reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway’s “Big Two-Hearted River”. July is prime time for targeting these jeweled natives in cold, dark waters through what locals call “brook trout bushwhacking”.
This uniquely UP experience involves venturing off-trail through dense forest to reach pristine waters where brook trout eagerly rise to well-presented flies. The combination of solitude, natural beauty, and willing fish makes this a bucket-list experience for serious anglers.
Finding productive waters:
- Look for small tributaries with cold, clear water
- Focus on streams with overhanging vegetation providing cover
- Target pools below fallen logs or undercut banks
Conservation note: For sustainability of these native populations, practice catch and release with barbless hooks when targeting brook trout in these delicate ecosystems.
5. The Cisco Chain of Lakes
The Cisco Chain comprises 15 interconnected lakes spanning the Michigan-Wisconsin border, offering 271 miles of shoreline and diverse fishing opportunities that remain relatively undiscovered by non-locals. This chain provides excellent habitat for multiple species while maintaining a wilderness feel.
What makes this chain special is the variety of environments within a single connected system – from deep, clear lakes to shallow, weedy bays. The remote nature of some lakes means less fishing pressure and potentially larger fish.
Species available in the Cisco Chain:
- Musky
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Various panfish
- Trout
Navigation tip: Access is available on Cisco and Thousand Island Lakes, but bring maps and navigation tools as the chain’s complexity can be confusing. A small motorboat, canoe, or kayak will allow you to explore this expansive system.
6. Tahquamenon River’s Multi-Species Fishery
The Tahquamenon River in the eastern Upper Peninsula offers excellent fishing opportunities that are often overlooked as visitors focus on the famous Tahquamenon Falls rather than the river’s outstanding angling potential. This scenic river with its distinctive tannin-stained waters provides habitat for multiple species.
The river system transitions from small brook trout waters in its headwaters to a larger system holding walleye, pike, and bass as it approaches Lake Superior. During spring, steelhead make their way up the system, creating additional fishing opportunities.
River sections to target:
- Upper reaches: Focus on brook trout in faster, narrower sections
- Middle reaches: Target mixed species around structure and deeper holes
- Lower river near Lake Superior: Fish for migratory species (seasonally)
The river’s accessibility from multiple public access points makes it convenient for anglers, yet it remains less pressured than many other UP rivers.
7. Manistique River for Trophy Smallmouth
The Manistique River offers exceptional smallmouth bass fishing that often gets overshadowed by more famous UP rivers. This scenic waterway features diverse habitat ranging from fast-moving sections ideal for wading to deeper, slower sections perfect for boat fishing.
According to Rivers North Guide Service, June on the Manistique means “dry fly nirvana” with mega bug hatches, extended daylight hours, and hungry, football-sized trout that go into feeding frenzies. The river’s abundant smallmouth bass population includes trophy-class fish that readily attack surface presentations during summer months.
Best fishing approaches:
- Target river mouths where the Manistique enters Lake Michigan for mixed species
- Focus on rocky sections with current breaks for trophy smallmouth
- During hex hatches, fish the evening hours for large trout feeding on the surface
Essential Gear and License Information
Before heading to these underrated fishing spots, ensure you’re properly equipped and licensed:
| Species Target | Recommended Gear | Best Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Medium action rod, 8-10 lb test | Jigs with minnows, crawler harnesses |
| Smallmouth Bass | Medium-fast action rod, 8-12 lb test | Soft plastics, topwater lures |
| Brook Trout | Light action fly rod (3-5 weight) | Dry flies, small streamers |
| Splake | Medium-heavy rod, 10-12 lb test | Trolling with spoons or crankbaits |
| Northern Pike | Heavy action rod, steel leaders | Large spinners or live bait |
Licensing Requirements
All anglers 17 years of age and older must have a valid Michigan fishing license. You can purchase your license online through the Michigan DNR or obtain one through US Fishing Licenses for convenience.
Michigan offers several license options:
- 24-hour license
- 72-hour license
- Annual resident license
- Annual non-resident license
The Michigan DNR continues a program to keep boating access sites plowed at more than two dozen popular Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations during winter, ensuring year-round access to many of these fishing spots.
Conservation and Local Knowledge
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources carefully manages these fisheries to ensure sustainability. Always check the current Michigan Fishing Guide for regulations specific to each water body.
For those unfamiliar with local waters, numerous fishing charters and guide services operate throughout the UP, providing expertise and equipment. Options include:
- Caddis Shack Guide Service (Escanaba area)
- Hooked UP Charter Fishing (Keweenaw Peninsula)
- Soo Fishing Charters (Sault Ste. Marie)
- Rivers North Guide Service (covers the entire UP)
These experienced guides can significantly increase your chances of success while teaching you location-specific techniques that will serve you well on future trips.
Conclusion
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers countless fishing opportunities beyond the well-known destinations. These seven underrated spots provide exceptional angling experiences without the crowds often found at more popular locations.
By exploring these lesser-known waters, you’ll not only discover excellent fishing but also experience the true wilderness character that makes Michigan’s Upper Peninsula such a special destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Remember to check specific regulations for each body of water, as rules may vary across the region.
Whether you’re casting for splake at Hessel, chasing smallmouth bass on the Manistique, or exploring remote brook trout streams, the UP rewards anglers willing to venture beyond the obvious choices with memorable fishing experiences in stunning natural settings.
