One of the best perks to fishing the Bays de Noc is that not only do we have abundant fish and waters to find them in, but we have locally made lures to increase your chances of reeling in a trophy-sized catch, too!

In recent years, the Big and Little Bays de Noc have emerged as the Walleye Capital of the Upper Peninsula and one of the best freshwater fishing locations in the country. Come to our waters, both coastal and inland, where an estimated 20,000 planted fish have helped to sustain our fishery over the last three years. Here’s what you can expect from our waters: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bream/Bluegill, Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Muskie, Carp and more.

Wait until you’re here to look for lures. Consider these three local businesses to keep your tackle box trays colorful and your lines wet!

Beavers Lures helps you “finally catch that dam fish,” per their motto. Katelyn Beaver was raised right next to Lake Michigan in a family of anglers. When quarantine left her bored, she started making lures in her bedroom. Now, it’s become a business. Located at 914 Ludington St., every single lure is designed, molded and airbrushed by hand in Escanaba.

Bay de Noc Lure Company is the mastermind behind the Swedish Pimple lure, created in 1957 by a group of friends. The design was based on a Swedish concept and the word “pimpla,” which means to jig. Since then, the Swedish Pimple has gained popularity, named one of the 50 Greatest Lures of All Time by Field and Stream. Today, this company’s Swedish Pimple line has expanded, and all of them are handcrafted at 810 Railway Ave., Gladstone.

Bay View Bait & Tackle, located at 7110 US 2-41 M35 in Gladstone, offers a variety of lures and live bait, too, for your next day on the water. It’s open seven days a week, year-round.

For more information on fishing permits, where to launch, fishing regulations and tips on catching certain species, visit our fishing page. We can’t wait to see what you catch! Thanks for supporting our local businesses.