Top walleye & smallmouth lakes in U.P. of Michigan

[Cabin Hunter]

I would like to find out about some of the "top lakes" in the U.P. With gas prices going up, and the regulations to cross the border into Canada getting stricter, I want to see what type of fishing is closer to home.(Madison WI). I still want the northwoods atmosphere, less boat traffic, clear water etc. but I have never fished in that area and would like any info, good or bad, to look into. Thanks for the help.

[Cabin Hunter]

Just trying to keep this towards the top, still hoping for advice from past & present visitors to the U.P. Thanks again, CH

[SUPERTROLLER]

You could look at the Michigamme River series of lakes and reservoirs. Lake Michigamme, Michigamme Reservoir and the Peavy Pond (another Big reservoir) are known to have given up walleyes and smallmouth in decent numbers. I've been gone from the U.P. for 20 yrs. now, but I'm sure the fish will still be there. It's secluded and not heavily fished. Sorry I don't have any numbers to give you for sources. I think there are cabins for rent on Lake Michigamme. There are also some campgrounds available if you go that route. See if you can get a phone number for a sporting goods store in Michigamme, from there they can get you better information.
Manistique area lakes are another good bet. It's more popular because it's alot more accessible. There are alot more cabin rentals on these lakes and much more fishing pressure. Probably can get good cabin info from Manistique Chamber of Commerce and local sporting goods stores for best lakes.
Little Bay de Noc. Rapid River, Gladstone, or Escanaba. All can give you access to the Bay. Smallmouth are mostly overlooked due to the walleyes there.

This will give you a start, I hope. I'm going to do a little investigating and see if i can find some better information but wanted to give you some hope and an answer before I left today.

[Unky Mer]

I assume by your post that you are looking for inland lakes. A good chunk of us in the UP fish the big water, hence the lack of replies. Inland, look to the reservoir listed above. Other suggestions, in no particular order include: Indian Lake by Manistique and Manistique Lake which is actually quite a bit east of the city of Manistique. I like North Manistique for smallies myself. Lac Vieux Desert on the Wisconsin border is a numbers lake for walleye as is Lake Gogebic. There are literally hundreds of other smaller lakes that hold one or the other species. That's part of the fun up here, poking around and finding hidden treasures that are small, out of the way, and for the most part, unfished. You'll have to find those on your own.

[SUPERTROLLER]

I checked around for some better websites and information but the best I could do was these two phone numbers.

Michigamme Lake Lodge Cottage
Michigamme, Mi.
(906)-339-4400

Michigamme Shores Campground
Champion, Mi.
(906)-339-2116

P.S. Please notice that God's area code is indeed (906).

[Cabin Hunter]

Thanks for the help!! I'm looking at smaller inland lakes, I don't have a boat for the Great Lakes, so that would eliminate lots of the best known spots. Does the Michigan DNR have a list of the best walleye lakes in that area? I wrote & called but all I received was snowmobile trails & skiing information concerning the U.P., is there a fisheries management number or website? Thanks again CH

[Chad]

Lots of good waters in MN. Upper Mississippi, Mille Lacs, Boundry Waters, etc...