Start reeling in the big ones! May 15 is opening day for walleye fishing season, and there’s no better place for anglers to spend it than one of the best walleye fishing destinations — the Little and Big Bays de Noc. Plan to keep reeling them in until the season ends on March 15. 

WHY THIS IS THE WALLEYE CAPITAL

The Michigan D.N.R. estimates there are 400,000 walleye in Little Bay’s 30,000 acres of water. In mid-to-late April, these fish spawn in the Escanaba River, Rapid River, Tacoosh River and the Whitefish River. The D.N.R. does an egg take at Rapid River — by the bay’s north end — using these eggs to stock Little and Big Bays de Noc on alternating years. The D.N.R.’s walleye population estimate is proof that anglers will find success. Many of the walleye are big, too, ranging from 8 to 10 pounds, and even bigger offshore as the weather warms. 

TOP FISHING SPOTS ON LITTLE BAY DE NOC

Little Bay de Noc has many more walleye than the Big Bay de Noc. Spring and early summer are the best times to wet your lines because so many fish have moved into the shallower waters from several rivers to spawn. As the weather warms from summer through fall, find more success in the deeper weed lines. Here are some favorite places to fish:

THE NORTH END OF THE BAY FROM GLADSTONE TO RAPID RIVER

This is the hotbed for walleye year-round. Some of the most popular areas are Center Reef at the bay’s north end and the first, second, and third reef out from Kipling. The deepwater along the east bank from the Vagabond Resort south to Hunter’s Point is another excellent location. Early in the season through the fall, trolling and drifting night crawler harnesses are the most preferred and effective methods. Many anglers switch to trolling crankbaits when the fish get bigger in the summer.

THE OUTER BAY, FROM GLADSTONE TO ESCANABA

This location has a deeper water basin surrounded by shallow sand/gravel flats. Early in the season, a good location is just off Gladstone Beach at Van Cleve Park. Here you’ll find a nice weed-lined drop-off. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses works best until weed cover gets too thick, then pitching jigs tipped with nightcrawler halves or leeches is a good bet. Another area to try is “Black Bottom,” south of Gladstone. A large weed flat drops off sharply to depths of 30-36 feet. While a good fishing spot year-round, the population peaks from July through September.  

ESCANABA RIVER

If you don’t have a boat, head to the fishing platforms downstream of the North Shore Boat Launch on the Escanaba River. 

LITTLE BAY DE NOC BOAT ACCESS 

RAPID RIVER

• Rapid River Boat Launch

GLADSTONE/KIPLING 

• Gladstone Harbor Boat Launch
• Kipling Boat Launch

ESCANABA

• Ludington Park Boat Launch
• North Shore Boat Launch

FORD RIVER

• Ford River Boat Launch

WHERE TO FISH ON THE BIG BAY DE NOC

The best time to fish on the Big Bay is from mid-June through fall. But the wait is worth it! Anglers reel in trophy walleye averaging 24 to 30 inches and tipping the scales at over 12 pounds!

Prime spots are the Little Fishdam River and Ogontz Bay. Anglers suggest trolling with crankbaits using larger blades. Since the water is clear and the fish suspend high up, be strategic with your lure placement. 

BIG BAY DE NOC BOAT ACCESS

GARDEN

• DNR Boat Launch

NAHMA

• Nahma Boat Ramp

TIPS FOR OPENING DAY SUCCESS

Head to our community's trusted bait and tackle shops to gain invaluable insights into the current fishing hotspots, preferred lures, effective dry flies, and live bait choices. Engage in conversations with experienced anglers at Blade's Bait & Tackle, Bayshore Bait & Tackle, Bay View Bait & Tackle, and Beaver Lures. Their wealth of knowledge and familiarity with these waters is unmatched.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert walleye angler, following these tips will help improve your success on opening day and beyond: 

• Fish in weeds and deeper, muddy water as walleye startle easily. 
• If you’re fishing by boat, use a planer board to put space between you and your bait. It will help prevent spooking the walleye, too. 
• Walleye are light-sensitive so you’ll have better luck fishing before sunrise and after sunset. 
• Big Bay de Noc is where you’ll boast quality over quantity in your catch. 
• If you’re new to angling on the Bays, check out a hydrographic map of the area first. Familiarize yourself with water depths and structures. 
• We recommend the following lures in fire-tiger, blue/orange, silvers and anything purple: #18 Rapala, Thundersticks AJ series, Thunderstick DJ series, Rapala Deep Husky Jerk, and Smithwick Rattlin Rogue. 
• Consult the Fishing Guide, provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to familiarize yourself with state fishing regulations.
• Before you head out on your adventure, check the current weather.
• This is Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend. Fish without license fees, inland or in Great Lakes waters. You also will not need a Recreation Passport to access state parks and state boat launch sites.

BOOK YOUR STAY NOW

Come on your own or bring family and friends. There are many lodging choices with the amenities and rates you want just minutes from the best fishing spots. While you are reeling in the big ones, your non-angling traveling companions will find lots to do in and around Escanaba. Book your stay today!

SHOW US YOUR CATCH

Tag #visitescananba when you post pictures of your catch or fishing trip on the Bays. We like to hear about your boasting rights and may share your photos on our Instagram.