Lake Leelanau
Spanning a vast 5,300 acres, this lake is a thriving habitat for diverse fish species, such as channel catfish, bluegills, rock bass, walleyes, brown trout, perch, and smallmouth bass. Divided into two basins, the southern and northern sections, the southern basin boasts a sandy and gravelly bottom with a gradual slope, making it a perfect hotspot for catching prized walleyes and smallmouth bass. Don't miss the opportunity to reel in some big catches at Lake Leelanau!
Over the course of the past half-decade, a massive restocking effort has been undertaken, resulting in a staggering 11 million walleye being planted in South Lake Leelanau. Additionally, North Lake Leelanau has seen an influx of brown trout, rainbows, and whitefish. The shoal waters in the south end of the lake are ideal for ice fishing and are particularly renowned for producing large, slab-sided bluegills. In contrast, the northern section of the lake boasts trophy brown trout fishing, with specimens weighing over 20 lbs.
Anglers flock to Lake Leelanau as it is a prime destination for catching a variety of fish, including hefty bass. The lake's crystal-clear waters make it easy to spot fish lurking in the depths below. Anglers commonly employ live bait presentations, such as dangling a minnow off a three-way swivel while drifting across deep water or bottom bouncing as they go. Gold-bladed spinners are also effective in nabbing smallmouth bass. Although rock bass are not commonly targeted by anglers, these hard-striking fighters put on a good show with their powerful, brutish runs on light tackle. Although the lake's perch fishing is only mediocre as a general rule, anglers sometimes take limit catches of delectable 7-9 inch fish when the perch population cooperates. Ice fishing tactics for all the species in the lake are effective, with crawlers on a single hook harness and chartreuse ice fishing teardrops with worms or some form of terrestrial grub proving particularly potent in catching colossal bluegills.
Lake Leelanau is home to a variety of fish species including lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye.
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Best Time to Fish: The best time to fish in Lake Leelanau varies depending on the species of fish you are targeting. Generally, spring and fall are considered the best seasons for trout and salmon fishing, while summer is the best season for bass and perch.
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Fishing Techniques: Anglers typically use a variety of techniques to catch fish in Lake Leelanau including trolling, casting, jigging, and fly fishing. Live bait such as minnows, worms, and leeches, as well as artificial lures such as spoons, spinners, and crankbaits are all effective in this lake.
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Fishing Regulations: It is important to check the fishing regulations for Lake Leelanau before you go fishing, as they are subject to change. You can check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for the latest regulations.
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Access: There are several public access points around Lake Leelanau, including boat launches and fishing piers. There are also a number of marinas and resorts that offer fishing charters and rentals.

The best time to fish Lake Cadillac varies depending on the species you're targeting. While bluegill and crappie can be caught all year, the ideal time to fish for bass is usually during the warmer summer months. Additionally, fall can also offer excellent fishing opportunities as the water cools down and fish become more active. Bass are often found in the lake's deeper sections, particularly near drop-offs and structures such as rocky areas or sunken trees. Weed beds are productive spots for bluegill and crappie. If you're fishing for panfish, small jigs or live worms can be effective baits. It's crucial to adjust your fishing style based on the depth at which fish are located. In shallower waters, use lighter weights and fish nearer to the surface. In deeper waters, use heavier weights and fish closer to the bottom.
The lake has two main sections: North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau, which are connected by a narrow waterway called the Narrows. The lake also has several islands, including Bird Island, which is a popular spot for birdwatching, and Whitsell Island, which is a nature preserve.