Michigan Salmon Fishing

Guide to fishing for Atlantic, chinook and coho salmon in MI.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Michigan is renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing, attracting anglers from near and far to experience the thrill of targeting these powerful and prized gamefish. The state offers opportunities to catch several salmon species, including Chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, and pink salmon. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about salmon fishing and identify popular salmon waters in the state.

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Chinook Salmon

One of the most sought-after salmon species in Michigan is the chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. These powerful and impressive fish can reach impressive sizes and provide anglers with thrilling battles. Lake Michigan's deep waters and nutrient-rich environment create the perfect conditions for chinook salmon to thrive. Anglers often target them by trolling with downriggers or casting spoons and crankbaits. Lakes such as Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior are prime destinations for Chinook salmon fishing, with the St. Joseph River, Manistee River, and Pere Marquette River being popular spots for river fishing.

Chinook Salmon, like all Pacific salmon, die after spawning. They grow large and put up a great fight when hooked. Fish for chinook with down riggers to troll around the thermocline. Use flashers, trailed with bait for best results. The current Michigan state record for chinook salmon stands at over 44 pounds.

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Atlantic Salmon

Known as the “king of fish”, Atlantic salmon live in both fresh and saltwater, which means they are anadromous. They are renowned for their impressive athleticism, and delectable taste. Native to the North Atlantic Ocean, these fish undertake extraordinary journeys from their natal rivers to distant feeding grounds in the open ocean and back again to spawn. In recent years, the allure of fishing for landlocked Atlantic salmon in lakes has grown in popularity. These are populations of Atlantic salmon that are confined to freshwater environments, are unable to access the sea. Landlocked Atlantic salmon in lakes exhibit similar behaviors to their sea-run counterparts, including feeding frenzies and impressive displays of strength when hooked. Lake Huron and its tributaries, such as the Au Sable River, are known for their Atlantic salmon fisheries. Anglers specifically target these fish using techniques such as fly fishing or trolling. Anglers most often target landlocked salmon by trolling open water. The pursuit of landlocked Atlantic salmon also comes with a responsibility. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of these populations. Anglers must follow local regulations, and support habitat restoration initiatives to safeguard the future of this cherished species.

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Coho Salmon

Another species of salmon found in Michigan is the coho salmon. These coho's can are often more available to be caught during the fall when they migrate closer to the shoreline. These acrobatic fish put up a fierce fight and are highly prized by anglers. Trolling with spoons, plugs, or flies is a popular method for targeting coho salmon. Coho salmon are often caught in similar waters as Chinook salmon, particularly in the Great Lakes and their tributary rivers.

Coho Salmon are smaller in size compared to other salmon but still provide a thrilling fight when hooked. Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are another prized species targeted by anglers in Michigan. These fish are known for their aggressive nature and aerial displays when hooked. Coho salmon offer thrilling battles, often leaping out of the water and making blistering runs. They can be caught by trolling or casting near shore areas during their migratory periods. Use small spinners, or bait on a bobber setup. Good bait options include wax worms, minnows, shrimp, and nightcrawlers.

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Michigan's salmon fishing season varies depending on the specific species and the location. Anglers can enjoy salmon fishing from spring through fall, with peak seasons typically occurring in late summer and early fall. It is important for anglers to familiarize themselves with local fishing regulations, including size limits, bag limits, and specific rules for each salmon species.

Salmon Fishing Waters In MI

Salmon fishing in MI surrounds mostly the four great lakes of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, plus Manistee Lake. The rivers feeding into these lakes are migration routes for salmon spawning and during the spawn may contain large numbers of salmon.

Click the images and links above for species details.

The state record atlantic salmon was taken from Lake Michigan.

The state record chinook (king) salmon came out of the Grand River.

The state record coho salmon was pulled from the Platte River.

The state record kokanee salmon came from the Clinton River.

Ernest Miller offers insight into salmon fishing for Pink Salmon in the Soo.

About The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by species. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which empty into the ocean, and adjoining ocean waters.

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies. For more details check here for articles about fly fishing.

Salmon Organizations

Atlantic Salmon Federation

Atlantic Salmon Trust

Atlantic Salmon Museum

Pacific Salmon Commission

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Michigan Salmon Fishing

The preferred method for catching salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies, as well as a variety of other lures and baits.

Salmon fishing waters and information, by state.

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