 Many of the state's Great Lakes waters have become world famous for walleye. The Lake Erie-Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River system is outstanding, drawing anglers from across the country in spring and early summer, though Saginaw Bay, Little Bay de Noc and the Portage Lake system off of Lake Superior are not far behind. Inland, the Tittabawassee and Muskegon Rivers are especially good early in the season and again just before winter as fish migrate in following baitfish from the big lakes. Among inland lakes, Gogebic, Indian, Leelanau, Burt and Houghton lakes shine, though there are numerous smaller lakes with fair to good populations of walleye.
Few fish match the walleye for the combination of recreational angling enjoyment and table fare. Available in fair numbers virtually statewide, walleye can be found in the Great Lakes and connecting waters as well as inland rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Walleyes can be photosensitive. Fishing is often best early and late in shallow water, though that is less critical in deep water. But walleyes often move shallow to feed at night and casting with artificial lures or drifting with live bait will all produce walleyes after dark.
For more information on identifying characteristics for walleye see our fish ID page.
Click here for better fishing waters for walleye.
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