Lake Michigan, Superior, Erie, and Huron are all at your disposal with their unique, but productive Salmon fisheries. St. Marys River: This is easily one of the best spots for Salmon fishing in Michigan, with fish from Lake Michigan and Huron converging here for their fall spawn.
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Are salmon running in the Betsie River?
King Salmon run up the Betsie as early as August through to September and even well into October. Steelhead starting running in October and stay in the river till spring. November is prime-time for steelhead on the Betsie. Lake-run brown trout typically follow the salmon and steelhead in October through November.
Is the Betsie River open for fishing?
river fishing is late August-November: w/prime fishing usually mid-Sept to mid-Oct. *Steelhead/Rainbow Trout fishing happens from mid-October through December (weather permitting) in Crystal Lake and other inland lakes, all year round.
What kind of fish are in the Betsie River?
The Betsie River is best known for its potamodromous fisheries, specifically for chinook salmon and steelhead. Some migratory brown trout and coho salmon are also caught. Chinook and coho salmon are not stocked in the Betsie system. These runs are comprised primarily of wild fish, or strays from other rivers.
How do you catch River salmon in Michigan?

Where are the salmon running right now in Michigan?
Bright Chinook, Coho, and Summer Run Skamania Steelhead are now entering Lake Michigan rivers. Pere Marquette and the Big Manistee River have the best Salmon migrations right now.
How deep is the Betsie River in Michigan?
The Betsie River is a state designated wild and scenic natural river. From Thompsonville down to Fred’s Landing the water depth averages 2-3 feet.
How many salmon can you keep in Michigan?
Next let’s look at the current regulations on Lake Michigan for trout and salmon: Minimum Size Limit Daily Possession or Bag Limit 10 inches 5 total in combination; no more than 3 of any one species; except up to 5 coho, Chinook, or pink salmon allowed.
Do you need a fishing license for catch and release in Michigan?
You’re required to carry your license and the ID you used to purchase it and show both if requested. You’ll also need a license when you’re targeting amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles in public waters in the state.
Can you use bluegill as bait in Michigan?
You can catch bluegills by hook and line and use them as bait but only on the lake you caught them or connecting waters because they are on the VHS susceptible list. Also the bluegills you use for bait go toward your limit of sunfishes.
Can you kayak the Betsie River?
Betsie River Canoes and Campground offers affordable camping and canoe, kayak, or tube trips down the adventurous Betsie River.
What time of year are salmon in rivers?
With its headwaters starting in Green Lake, the Betsie meanders through Grand Traverse, Manistee, and Benzie Counties where it then flows into Betsie Lake and Lake Michigan near the towns of Frankfort and Elberta.
Where are salmon biting in Michigan?
Most adult Atlantic salmon migrate up the rivers of New England beginning in spring and continuing through the fall as well, with the migration peaking in June.
Where is the best salmon fishing?
- Kola Peninsula, Russia.
- The Rivers in Iceland.
- The Rivers in Canada.
- Scotland.
- Alaska, USA.
- Washington, USA.
- Norway.
- South Island, New Zealand.
Where is the best fishing in Michigan right now?
- LAKE MICHIGAN.
- PERE MARQUETTE RIVER.
- MANISTEE RIVER.
- GRAND RIVER.
- SAGINAW BAY.
- LAKE ST.
- LAKE ERIE.
How long does the salmon run last in Michigan?
Atlantic salmon can be caught in Lake Huron, the St. Marys River and even the St. Clair River by Port Huron. Fall returns of spawning fish occur at each location, primarily in Oct.
What is Frankfort MI known for?
Chinook Salmon (Kings) During the summer, these fish show up in large numbers, testing the resolve and endurance of anglers for rod-bending action weighing up to 30 pounds or more. The Chinook salmon generally enter the deep waters of Lake Michigan from May to early June.
What is the best bait for salmon?
The Betsie River is a 54.0-mile-long (86.9 km) stream in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Michigan. The name is derived from the French la riviรจre aux Bec-scies, meaning river of sawbill ducks (bec-scie).
What is the best month for salmon fishing?
Discover Frankfort The pristine dunes, beaches, and spectacular sunsets awe visitors and locals alike. Point Betsie Lighthouse is a Great Lakes Lighthouse favorite. Victorian homes dominate the picturesque, maple-lined streets and shoppers find unique items crafted in Frankfort’s specialty shops and galleries.
What colors do salmon see best?
Minnows are always a good choice, as almost any freshwater fish are attracted to and eat them; just make sure they are lively when you bait the minnows on your hook. Sand shrimp are another option. Sand shrimp usually are the best bait for catching salmon, but they are also the most expensive and hardest to rig.
How many rods can you fish with in Michigan?
An individual shall not use more than 3 single lines or 3 single rods and lines, or a single line and a single rod and line, and shall not attach more than 6 hooks on all lines. The commission may decrease the number of rods per angler.
Can you hunt deer on your own property without a license in Michigan?
The fishing season for salmon goes from late April to mid-October. Arguably, peak salmon season is from June to August in which pretty much every popular type of wild salmon is being caught and is available for sale.
What fishing bait is illegal in Michigan?
The colors that show up in the deepest water are greens, blues and blacks. All glow lures glow green. In addition, Ultra Violet colors can be added to your tackle box, as they show up at all depths. While we can’t see UV colors, salmon see them very well.
Is it legal to fish with corn in Michigan?
Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner.
Is it legal to use goldfish as bait in Michigan?
State law prohibits minnows, wigglers, and crayfish that are harvested in Michigan from being exported and sold out of state. Most of Michigan’s in-state bait supply is provided by about a dozen large wholesale catchers, however, it is also common for inland bait shops to sometimes have a catcher’s license.