Start reeling in the big ones! May 15 is opening day for walleye fishing season, and there’s no better place for anglers to spend it than one of the best walleye fishing destinations — the Little and Big Bays de Noc. 

An Abundance of Healthy Fish Await

According to the most recent annual fall survey, Little Bay de Noc holds an estimated 175,000 adult walleye (age 4 and older). Survey data also show strong numbers of juvenile walleye, which are expected to strengthen the adult population in the coming years.

Tips from Local Anglers

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert when it comes to walleyes, review these tips.

Best Practices and Places During Walleye Season

• Fish in weeds and deeper, muddy water, as the walleye can be easily startled. 

• If you’re fishing by boat, use a planer board to put space between you and your bait. They will help you avoid spooking the walleye. 

• Walleye are light-sensitive so you’ll have better luck fishing as it gets darker. 

• In Big Bay de Noc, you’ll find quality over quantity in your catch. 

• If you’re new to angling up here, check a hydrographic map of the area first. Familiarize yourself with water depths and structures. 

• Recommended lures in fire-tiger, blue/orange, silvers and anything purple include: #18 Rapala, Thundersticks AJ series, Thunderstick DJ series, Rapala Deep Husky Jerk, and Smithwick Rattlin Rogue. 

Popular Walleye Spots

• Little Bay de Noc’s north end from Gladstone to Rapid River

• Little Bay de Noc’s outer bay from Gladstone to Escanaba

• Big Bay de Noc’s north end near Fish Dam River

• Big Bay de Noc Shoal 

• Round Island

For more locations and information on where to launch from, visit our walleye page. 

Walleye Season Runs from May 15 to March 15

With the o-fish-al start of the season, we wish you luck this year! Tag #visitescananba when you post pictures for a chance to be featured on our Instagram. We can’t wait to see what you catch.