Fishing Frankfort, Michigan, for salmon and trout offers an exciting and dynamic season, with opportunities to target different species throughout the year. Here’s a season-by-season rundown:
Spring (April–June)
• Lake Trout: Early spring kicks off with excellent lake trout fishing in 50–150 feet of water. They’re found near the bottom, and trolling with spoons or cowbells is effective.
• Brown Trout & Steelhead: Brown trout and steelhead are active closer to shore in shallow water, often near the pier heads and river mouths. Small spoons, body baits, and planer boards work well.
Spring (April–June)
• Lake Trout: Early spring kicks off with excellent lake trout fishing in 50–150 feet of water. They’re found near the bottom, and trolling with spoons or cowbells is effective.
• Brown Trout & Steelhead: Brown trout and steelhead are active closer to shore in shallow water, often near the pier heads and river mouths. Small spoons, body baits, and planer boards work well.
Summer (July–August)
• Chinook Salmon: As summer progresses, Chinook (King) salmon become the primary target. They stage in deeper water (80–150 feet) and are caught using downriggers with flasher-and-fly setups, meat rigs, and magnum spoons.
• Steelhead: Steelhead remain active, often near temperature breaks or higher in the water column. Bright-colored spoons are effective for these acrobatic fish.
• Lake Trout: Lake trout fishing remains strong in deeper water, especially near structure like humps and ridges.
• Chinook Salmon: As summer progresses, Chinook (King) salmon become the primary target. They stage in deeper water (80–150 feet) and are caught using downriggers with flasher-and-fly setups, meat rigs, and magnum spoons.
• Steelhead: Steelhead remain active, often near temperature breaks or higher in the water column. Bright-colored spoons are effective for these acrobatic fish.
• Lake Trout: Lake trout fishing remains strong in deeper water, especially near structure like humps and ridges.
Late Summer (August–September)
• Staging Salmon: By late August, Chinook and Coho salmon begin staging near the pier heads and river mouths as they prepare to spawn. Trolling J-plugs, meat rigs, or magnum spoons in the pre-dawn hours can produce big bites.
• Nearshore Action: Fishing heats up near the harbor, offering opportunities for anglers to catch fish without venturing far from shore.
• Staging Salmon: By late August, Chinook and Coho salmon begin staging near the pier heads and river mouths as they prepare to spawn. Trolling J-plugs, meat rigs, or magnum spoons in the pre-dawn hours can produce big bites.
• Nearshore Action: Fishing heats up near the harbor, offering opportunities for anglers to catch fish without venturing far from shore.
Fall (September–October)
• River Runs: Salmon move into the rivers to spawn, and the action shifts to the Betsie River and Big Manistee. Anglers use casting and drifting techniques to target these hard-fighting fish.
• Steelhead: Fall steelhead begin to arrive in the rivers, providing incredible action for anglers drifting beads, spawn, or egg flies.
Winter (November–March)
• Fishing slows on the big lake, but the Betsie and Big Manistee Rivers provide opportunities for winter steelhead, offering a chance for die-hard anglers to stay on the fish year-round.
Frankfort’s harbor and access to the open waters of Lake Michigan make it one of the best locations for multi-species action. The combination of diverse fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and a historic port town atmosphere ensures a memorable fishing experience every season.
• River Runs: Salmon move into the rivers to spawn, and the action shifts to the Betsie River and Big Manistee. Anglers use casting and drifting techniques to target these hard-fighting fish.
• Steelhead: Fall steelhead begin to arrive in the rivers, providing incredible action for anglers drifting beads, spawn, or egg flies.
Winter (November–March)
• Fishing slows on the big lake, but the Betsie and Big Manistee Rivers provide opportunities for winter steelhead, offering a chance for die-hard anglers to stay on the fish year-round.
Frankfort’s harbor and access to the open waters of Lake Michigan make it one of the best locations for multi-species action. The combination of diverse fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and a historic port town atmosphere ensures a memorable fishing experience every season.
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