Great Lakes Surf Fishing Methods, locations, tips and techniques

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Fishing the Surf on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan has 1,660 miles of shoreline consisting largely of sand and pebble beaches. Sand dunes, marshes, tall grass prairies, savannas, and forests provide the essential habitats for a great diversity of life. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and the sixth largest lake in the world. Bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin it is the only one of the Great Lakes that lies completely within the borders of the United States. There are countless areas where shore or surf fishing can be done. If you are looking for a peaceful place to fish, fishing the surf on Lake Michigan is hard to beat. There are many quiet secluded areas near most large cities where beach access is available. The river and stream mouths will traditionally receive high fishing pressure during the fall salmon runs.

Lake Michigan Surf Fishing Access Locations and Articles:

Access areas for fishing the Lake Michigan Surf include: harbors, city parks, beaches, river mouths and scenic shorelines. During the fall salmon spawning runs, thousands of fishermen will take advantage of the many access areas. Spring will see many of the same fishermen in the same areas fishing for Brown Trout, Steelhead and spring Coho Salmon. Summer fishing from shore targets perch, smallmouth bass and other fish. Summer fishing at night is a good time to try for salmon and trout that cruise the shorelines under the cover of darkness.

Shore fishing access locations Lake Michigan has a surface area of 22,300 square miles and 1,660 miles of shoreline. There are dozens of tributary creeks, streams and rivers that provide excellent fishing. Some of our favorite access areas.
Shore Fishing Article from the Indiana DNR A PDF article from the State of Indiana DNR with access maps, species facts, seasonal fishing opportunities and fishing information for shore and tributary fishing. (requires Adobe reader)
Michigan Shore Anglers Guide A PDF article from the State of Michigan DNR with detailed access maps; detailed salmon, trout, and steelhead fishing tips and techniques; seasonal fishing opportunities and recommended fishing tactics for the different shore fishing locations. This 96 page article can have a long download time (requires Adobe reader)

Lake Michigan Surf Fishing Equipment used:

How to make Sand Spikes or Rod Holders for Surf Fishing Sand spikes or Surf Rod Holders are a requirement when fishing the surf. There is nothing that will destroy or ruin a fishing reel quicker than laying the fishing rod on a sandy beach.

Waders and Boots for fishing the Surf The surf fishing is done in a a wet environment, waders or boots are required unles you plan on getting wet.
Tackle Storage and general tackle used surf fishing A five gallon bucket with a lid makes the best universal tackle storage for surf fishing. See what tackle is generally put in a typical surf fishing bucket.
Landing fish when Surf Fishing Landing fish when surf fishing can be done with or without a net.
Fishing Reels for Surf Fishing Fishing reel and line recommendations for surf fishing.
Fishing Rods for Surf Fishing. Fishing rods used for surf fishing.

Lake Michigan Surf Fishing Tips and Techniques:

Basic Bottom Fishing Rig Setups used when Surf Fishing There are numerous basic bottom fishing rig setups typically used by fishermen surf fishing. Three of the more popular setups are described.
Cutting bait chunks and strips for surf fishing Surf fishing with whole, cut chunks, or strip baits made from bait fish is an effective technique. There are a variety of bait fish that can be used in the Great Lakes.
How to rig whole, chunk, and strip baits for surf fishing How to rig whole, chunk, and strip baits for Trout and Salmon when surf fishing.
Surf Fishing for Brown Trout after Dark Surf fishing for Brown Trout after dark with glow in the dark spoons can be very productive.