Fishing Trip to Ludington, MI

[Gar]

Planning a trip to Ludington 5/18 - 5/22. We're planning on fishing for walleye in Hamlin Lake and salmon, etc. in Lake Michigan. I'm hoping someone can recommend a good (rather inexpensive) place to stay that is convienent to both LM and Hamlin.

Thanks...

[Marble Eyes]

I hate to say it, but you would probably get more response on a Salmon Website because of all the notoriety Ludington gets as a Lake Michigan port.

Try the Michigan Sportsman website under the cold water fishing.

[Gar]

Marble Eyes;

Thanks. I thought the same and posted there also.

[perchjerker]

also try www.glangler.com if you havent already

[Tomthefishinfool]

Try to find the web site for the Finlander their the best on Lk Mich.

[vetspet ind]

i fished the area a lot in the 80's and 90's and then the kids decided they wanted to go elsewhere....we stayed at a resort called jack's resort...they changed their name but maybe the tele # is the same...616-843-8831...there were two large and two small cottages right on hamlin across from the state park...good fishin right out front on the 20 ft drop-off....great panfishin in may i think in the south(east?) end...the end opposite from the state park end....we used to hit lake michigan and head to the left...south about 2 miles to the "projects" where there is a power plant and caught really nice perch there on wigglers....jacks was run by a very nice couple...wife's name was sandy but she had lymphoma and that was a few yrs ago and i'm not sure they run it anymore...hope this helps...we had many good times up there...a really good friend still goes every may i think and really does well on panfish...i can get more info if you like from him...steve heckler

[mudpuppy]

Try this link, http://fish-ludington.com/fishingreport/
It's got a lodging link & also fishing reports for Lake MI & Hamlin Lake, too. We usually camp, but we have stayed at Naders before. They've got a place to park boats & a freezer, too. It's real close to the Lake Michigan launch & not far from the Ludington State Park launch on Hamlin. We've got friends in town, so we get up there quite abit. Give Pere Marquette (PM) Lake a try, too.

[Wahoo]

I have been fortunate to fish all over the great lakes in the last thirty odd years.Of all the places I have fished nowhere else even comes close to ludington in terms of beauty~fishing success and diversity~clenliness and quality of the total experience.You simply must experience it to believe it.Its got alot to offer.You have to eat at House of flavors when there and the Old Hamlin is another good eatery in down town "fish city".Of course all the typical fast food is offered there and both a wal mart and a meijer are close at hand.Quite a few nice bars are also found in town,Micheals is one worth checking out.Good live entertainment most nights and some incredible "scenery" at times!
I spend at least two weeks there every year and would like to spend far more.I don`t fish hamlin much but I know its a good pike/walleye and panfish lake.Its also a good place to catch crappies.You won`t be dissapointed with that lake and pm lake also has some very good fishing.Soak some big chubs or suckers around weed beds near the dow plant or south shore weed beds and beware of some big toothy pike!Plus there are some big smallies in there!
As for salmon....Ohhh yes...Not sure how your rigged up for that game but its an awe inspireing fishery.Look for fish on thermals around the point and in close if the bait is in.We hunt steelies around big sable point at that time of year,kings around the 100` mark and browns in close if there is any cool (under sixty degree) water there.D.riggers and divers,inlines boards~ flats and lead core all produce at times.Bring an arsenal and get as many wet as you can....It pays to have a bunch of lines in the water at least till you figure out whats hot for that day.As for me lead core rules!
As far as bait shops you have to hit Captain chucks...Nice selection and good up to the minute reports on big lake condtions and fishing.Spoons are normally hot in "fish city" and don`t leave shore without at least three or four magnum sister sledge or carmel dolphins.(same color)tan to gold fade with a swoosh of glow tape.I caught nearly half my salmon and trout on that one spoon last year!....Hope all this helps!...As time draws nearer let me know if you need more info...I`ll do all I can to help you out!Like I said you can`t hardly go wrong with ludington!!...Its an anglers paradise and my home away from home!....we stay at Naders most often and its nice and very close to the boat launch and beach....FISH HARD....Wahoo

[Green Bay Angler]

Grew up setting downriggers out of Ludington back in the late 70's when I was just a kid.

I honestly believe it is the #1 port on the Great Lakes for salmon and trout. If the salmon/trout are biting I wouldn't even waste my time with Hamlin lake. Your first 10 # steelie, brown, or king will weigh more than a good weekend on most inland lakes.

Some hawg walleye are available also, but not many people know about it. Try and contact wild Bill Acker and maybe he'll tell you what lure to cast off the pier at night.

GBA

[Wahoo]

I almost forgot about the big walleyes caught around the piers.I have never done it but I know they get some slobs.Guys drift bait and jig for them in the harbor mouth at night.Many are caught by people casting countdown rapala`s off the piers at night as well..
I think its kind of a hit or miss fishery but its worth a shot if thats your bag.I spend nearly all my hours there on lake mich after the BIG silver fish.OR at Micheals bar..lol
Bill Ackers is rarely in but I think (?) his shop is still open..Not much left of it though.Pere marquette sports is still downtown and has good live bait for pike /eyes~panfish and such...Amazing sunny and b.gill and redeye fishing in hamlin all year..Ludington is awesome!So many great fishing opportunities and so little time....

[Bob G2]

Old Hamlin...best Blueberry Pancakes in the world!

[Aquaholic]

Wahoo is your man for Luddington info........but don't try and keep up with him motoring out the channel, he and the law have different ideas on the speed limits there....lol

[Gar]

Thanks guys for the info. Was up there Thur. and today (2/4) checking it out. Love the area even in the Winter !! I'm sure the tips and info you gave will be of a BIG help to get us started.

Can't wait !!