Walleye Fishing in Michigan
5 per day
15 inches minimum
Last Saturday in April through Mar 15
Overview
Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron is Michigan's premier walleye destination.
The Detroit River produces trophy walleye during the spring spawning run.
Lake Erie's western basin (Michigan waters) is world-class walleye trolling territory.
Inland lakes like Houghton and Burt produce consistent walleye action with less pressure.
Best Waters in Michigan
- Saginaw Bay — Lake Huron bay with prolific walleye populations on reef complexes and channel edges.
- Detroit River — Connecting waterway between Lakes Erie and St. Clair with massive spring walleye runs.
- Lake Erie (Michigan waters) — Western basin offers world-class walleye trolling with Reef Runner and Hot-N-Tot crankbaits.
- Burt Lake — Northern Michigan lake with quality walleye on rock bars and sand-gravel transitions.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Trolling crankbaits
- Jigging with minnow
- Casting jerkbaits
- Drifting with harnesses
- Vertical jigging
Baits & Lures
- Reef Runner crankbaits
- Hot-N-Tot
- Nightcrawler harnesses
- Rapala Husky Jerk
- Jigging Rap
Seasonal Guide for Michigan
SpringSpring Fishing
Detroit River run peaks in March-April. Saginaw Bay lights up in May with jig-and-minnow on shallow reefs.
SummerSummer Fishing
Lake Erie trolling is prime June-August. Saginaw Bay produces along weed edges and channel drops.
FallFall Fishing
Walleye feed aggressively on baitfish. Trolling stickbaits and crankbaits on main-lake structure.
WinterWinter Fishing
Saginaw Bay ice fishing is legendary. Tip-ups and jigging spoons on shallow reefs and bars.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Michigan Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
| Bag Limit | 5 per day |
| Size Limit | 15 inches minimum |
| Season | Last Saturday in April through Mar 15 |
| Notes | Bag and size limits vary significantly by water body. |