For anglers seeking the thrill of hooking a powerful salmon, there are few places better than Michigan’s Great Lakes and its network of rivers and streams. Home to world-class fisheries, Michigan offers a variety of fishing destinations where Chinook (King), Coho, and even Atlantic salmon run in abundance, particularly during their seasonal migrations. Whether you prefer trolling the expansive waters of Lake Michigan or casting along the scenic rivers that wind through dense forests, there’s a perfect spot for every angler.
1. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for salmon fishing. Its vast waters are home to thriving populations of Chinook and Coho salmon, making it a favorite for anglers trolling in open water. Popular hotspots include Frankfort, Ludington, and Manistee, where anglers often land trophy-sized Kings, especially in the late summer and early fall. These towns also host major fishing tournaments, attracting enthusiasts from across the country.
• Why It’s Great: Lake Michigan offers some of the best open-water salmon fishing in the state, with anglers targeting Chinook and Coho salmon during summer and fall.
• Hotspots:
• Frankfort: Known for its incredible late-summer Chinook salmon runs.
• Ludington: A premier spot for trolling salmon, particularly during tournaments.
• Manistee: Offers excellent deep-water fishing for large King salmon.
• Traverse city offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities, with easy access to lake Michigan, grand traverse bay, and near by rivers like the Boardman river, known for their fall runs of salmon
• Leelanau provides outstanding salmon fishing access on Lake Michigan with access to the Manitou Islands.
Looking for a charter? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
2. Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is a legendary destination for salmon anglers, offering some of the best fall runs in the state. Starting in late August, Chinook and Coho salmon flood the river to spawn, creating incredible opportunities for both fly and spin anglers. The Tippy Dam area is particularly popular, with easy access and high concentrations of fish.
• Why It’s Great: Famous for its epic fall salmon runs, the Big Manistee is ideal for anglers looking to fish from shore, boats, or drift boats.
• What to Catch: Chinook, Coho, and the occasional Atlantic salmon.
• Best Time: Late August through October when the salmon migrate upstream to spawn.
Looking for a guide? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
3. Betsie River
Known for its productive Chinook salmon runs, the Betsie River is a smaller yet equally rewarding destination. Homestead Dam is a hotspot where anglers can fish for King salmon in a tranquil, scenic setting. The Betsie is especially ideal for those looking for a more intimate fishing experience compared to larger rivers.
• Why It’s Great: The Betsie River is a smaller but highly productive salmon fishery, especially for Chinook salmon during their fall run.
• Hotspots: The stretch near Homestead Dam is particularly popular among anglers.
• Best Time: Mid-August through October.
Looking for a guide? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
4. Platte River
The Platte River is famous for its exceptional Coho salmon runs, which peak in September and October. The river offers anglers a picturesque environment and easy access near the Platte River State Fish Hatchery. This destination is perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels.
• Why It’s Great: The Platte River is known for Michigan’s largest Coho salmon run, and it’s one of the most scenic places to fish.
• Hotspots: Near the Platte River State Fish Hatchery and lower stretches of the river.
• Best Time: Early September through late October.
5. Lake Huron
• Why It’s Great: After years of declining salmon populations, Lake Huron has rebounded, particularly with Atlantic salmon stocking programs.
• Hotspots:
• Rogers City: A top destination for Atlantic salmon and Chinook fishing.
• Oscoda and Tawas Bay: Popular spots for nearshore fishing and river runs.
6. Pere Marquette River
As one of the most iconic rivers in Michigan, the Pere Marquette offers unparalleled fly-fishing opportunities for salmon. Known for its wild Chinook salmon runs, the river challenges anglers with its winding channels and clear waters. Its beauty and productivity make it a favorite for experienced anglers.
• Why It’s Great: Known as one of the best fly-fishing destinations for salmon in Michigan, the Pere Marquette River offers a unique challenge for anglers.
• What to Catch: Chinook and Coho salmon.
• Best Time: Late summer through fall.
7. St. Marys River
For anglers seeking Atlantic salmon, the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie is unparalleled. The unique rapids system attracts a healthy population of Atlantics, especially during the summer months. The combination of strong currents and trophy fish makes this a top-tier destination. • Why It’s Great: This unique waterway connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron and is one of the best places to target Atlantic salmon.
• Hotspots: Near Sault Ste. Marie and the rapids (locally called “The Soo”).
• Best Time: Summer (June-August) for Atlantic salmon.
8. Ludington State Park
• Why It’s Great: Offers access to both the Pere Marquette River and Lake Michigan for salmon fishing, making it a versatile spot.
• What to Catch: Chinook and Coho salmon in the fall.
9. Grand River
• Why It’s Great: The Grand River near Grand Rapids sees solid fall salmon runs and offers excellent opportunities for urban anglers.
• Hotspots: 6th Street Dam area.
• Best Time: Late summer to early fall.
10. Au Sable River
• Why It’s Great: Known for its trout fishing, the Au Sable also attracts Atlantic Salmon with some Chinook and Coho salmon during their fall runs.
• Hotspots: Near Oscoda, where the river meets Lake Huron.
• Best Time: September through October.
11. Grand Travere Bay:
In the Traverse City area, Grand Traverse Bay offers prime salmon fishing, particularly in the late summer and early fall. Anglers can troll for Kings and Cohos in the bay’s deep, clear waters while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding Leelanau Peninsula.
12. Platte Bay and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located near the Platte River, Platte Bay is a hidden gem for salmon fishing. Trolling the bay allows anglers to target Coho and Chinook salmon with the stunning backdrop of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks.
Best Times for Salmon Fishing in Michigan
• Atlantic Salmon: June through August, with some runs extending into the fall.
• Chinook Salmon: Late August through October.
• Coho Salmon: September through November.
Tips for Salmon Fishing in Michigan
• Techniques: Trolling, casting, fly fishing, and drifting.
• Bait: Use spawn sacs, plugs, crankbaits, or flies mimicking baitfish.
• Gear: Medium-heavy rods, strong reels, and durable lines to handle these powerful fish.
Whether you’re trolling the Great Lakes or wading into a crystal-clear river, Michigan offers some of the best salmon fishing spots in the country. Each destination provides its own unique experience, from tranquil rivers to adrenaline-pumping open-water battles. With a little preparation and timing, anglers can create unforgettable memories and land trophy salmon in Michigan’s stunning landscapes.
1. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for salmon fishing. Its vast waters are home to thriving populations of Chinook and Coho salmon, making it a favorite for anglers trolling in open water. Popular hotspots include Frankfort, Ludington, and Manistee, where anglers often land trophy-sized Kings, especially in the late summer and early fall. These towns also host major fishing tournaments, attracting enthusiasts from across the country.
• Why It’s Great: Lake Michigan offers some of the best open-water salmon fishing in the state, with anglers targeting Chinook and Coho salmon during summer and fall.
• Hotspots:
• Frankfort: Known for its incredible late-summer Chinook salmon runs.
• Ludington: A premier spot for trolling salmon, particularly during tournaments.
• Manistee: Offers excellent deep-water fishing for large King salmon.
• Traverse city offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities, with easy access to lake Michigan, grand traverse bay, and near by rivers like the Boardman river, known for their fall runs of salmon
• Leelanau provides outstanding salmon fishing access on Lake Michigan with access to the Manitou Islands.
Looking for a charter? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
2. Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is a legendary destination for salmon anglers, offering some of the best fall runs in the state. Starting in late August, Chinook and Coho salmon flood the river to spawn, creating incredible opportunities for both fly and spin anglers. The Tippy Dam area is particularly popular, with easy access and high concentrations of fish.
• Why It’s Great: Famous for its epic fall salmon runs, the Big Manistee is ideal for anglers looking to fish from shore, boats, or drift boats.
• What to Catch: Chinook, Coho, and the occasional Atlantic salmon.
• Best Time: Late August through October when the salmon migrate upstream to spawn.
Looking for a guide? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
3. Betsie River
Known for its productive Chinook salmon runs, the Betsie River is a smaller yet equally rewarding destination. Homestead Dam is a hotspot where anglers can fish for King salmon in a tranquil, scenic setting. The Betsie is especially ideal for those looking for a more intimate fishing experience compared to larger rivers.
• Why It’s Great: The Betsie River is a smaller but highly productive salmon fishery, especially for Chinook salmon during their fall run.
• Hotspots: The stretch near Homestead Dam is particularly popular among anglers.
• Best Time: Mid-August through October.
Looking for a guide? Book ChromeSeekers Sportfishing - 248-229-7226
4. Platte River
The Platte River is famous for its exceptional Coho salmon runs, which peak in September and October. The river offers anglers a picturesque environment and easy access near the Platte River State Fish Hatchery. This destination is perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels.
• Why It’s Great: The Platte River is known for Michigan’s largest Coho salmon run, and it’s one of the most scenic places to fish.
• Hotspots: Near the Platte River State Fish Hatchery and lower stretches of the river.
• Best Time: Early September through late October.
5. Lake Huron
• Why It’s Great: After years of declining salmon populations, Lake Huron has rebounded, particularly with Atlantic salmon stocking programs.
• Hotspots:
• Rogers City: A top destination for Atlantic salmon and Chinook fishing.
• Oscoda and Tawas Bay: Popular spots for nearshore fishing and river runs.
6. Pere Marquette River
As one of the most iconic rivers in Michigan, the Pere Marquette offers unparalleled fly-fishing opportunities for salmon. Known for its wild Chinook salmon runs, the river challenges anglers with its winding channels and clear waters. Its beauty and productivity make it a favorite for experienced anglers.
• Why It’s Great: Known as one of the best fly-fishing destinations for salmon in Michigan, the Pere Marquette River offers a unique challenge for anglers.
• What to Catch: Chinook and Coho salmon.
• Best Time: Late summer through fall.
7. St. Marys River
For anglers seeking Atlantic salmon, the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie is unparalleled. The unique rapids system attracts a healthy population of Atlantics, especially during the summer months. The combination of strong currents and trophy fish makes this a top-tier destination. • Why It’s Great: This unique waterway connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron and is one of the best places to target Atlantic salmon.
• Hotspots: Near Sault Ste. Marie and the rapids (locally called “The Soo”).
• Best Time: Summer (June-August) for Atlantic salmon.
8. Ludington State Park
• Why It’s Great: Offers access to both the Pere Marquette River and Lake Michigan for salmon fishing, making it a versatile spot.
• What to Catch: Chinook and Coho salmon in the fall.
9. Grand River
• Why It’s Great: The Grand River near Grand Rapids sees solid fall salmon runs and offers excellent opportunities for urban anglers.
• Hotspots: 6th Street Dam area.
• Best Time: Late summer to early fall.
10. Au Sable River
• Why It’s Great: Known for its trout fishing, the Au Sable also attracts Atlantic Salmon with some Chinook and Coho salmon during their fall runs.
• Hotspots: Near Oscoda, where the river meets Lake Huron.
• Best Time: September through October.
11. Grand Travere Bay:
In the Traverse City area, Grand Traverse Bay offers prime salmon fishing, particularly in the late summer and early fall. Anglers can troll for Kings and Cohos in the bay’s deep, clear waters while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding Leelanau Peninsula.
12. Platte Bay and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located near the Platte River, Platte Bay is a hidden gem for salmon fishing. Trolling the bay allows anglers to target Coho and Chinook salmon with the stunning backdrop of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks.
Best Times for Salmon Fishing in Michigan
• Atlantic Salmon: June through August, with some runs extending into the fall.
• Chinook Salmon: Late August through October.
• Coho Salmon: September through November.
Tips for Salmon Fishing in Michigan
• Techniques: Trolling, casting, fly fishing, and drifting.
• Bait: Use spawn sacs, plugs, crankbaits, or flies mimicking baitfish.
• Gear: Medium-heavy rods, strong reels, and durable lines to handle these powerful fish.
Whether you’re trolling the Great Lakes or wading into a crystal-clear river, Michigan offers some of the best salmon fishing spots in the country. Each destination provides its own unique experience, from tranquil rivers to adrenaline-pumping open-water battles. With a little preparation and timing, anglers can create unforgettable memories and land trophy salmon in Michigan’s stunning landscapes.
