Guide To Fishing At Lake Leelanau

AKA: North Lake Leelanau, South Leelanau Lake

Less than a mile inland from Lake Michigan, Lake Leelanau is a 14,000-acre lake in the northwest corner of the lower MI peninsula, 10 miles northeast of Traverse City. The 41 miles of shoreline are the focus of attention, both on and off the water.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

This is a great destination for a vacation, a weekend get-away or a serious fishing trip. The lake is stocked well with trout, walleye, perch, sunfish and bass. Numerous locations around the lake provide access for fishing from the bank, and public boat launch ramps are well maintained for launching pleasure, water ski and fishing boats. Kayaks and canoes can be easily portaged from public access areas. In winter, once there is safe ice, the lake delivers pretty consistent ice fishing catches. Area fishing guides can help you locate and catch the various fish species in short order. Several campgrounds, at or near the lake offer campsites and RV hookups.

What to fish for...

Fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass and yellow perch at Lake Leelanau in Michigan.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Leelanau

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Leelanau Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

PlayNorth Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
231 357-3790

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bingham Boat (DNR East) Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off E Bingham Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Leelanau DNR North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off N Lake Leelanau Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake Leelanau DNR West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Skyline Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

The Narrows DNR Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the Narrows, east side, off N Eagle Highway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Michigan Fishing License.