The Charlevoix area is home to many fish species as there is a variety water bodies, including Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, numerous inland lakes, rivers, and streams.
Lake Michigan
Locals call Lake Michigan The Big Lake for a reason. As the fifth largest lake in the world, Lake Michigan holds a recorded 100 species of fish. Charlevoix is located on the northern portion of Lake Michigan which is pristine and pure enough for the pickiest of anglers. You can fish Lake Michigan by boat or from the pier located at Michigan Beach.
Lake Charlevoix & Round Lake
Lake Charlevoix waters hold numerous fish species as the depth and character of the lake vary greatly from one area to another. Round Lake is Charlevoix's downtown harbor connecting Lake Michigan to Lake Charlevoix. Round Lake offers great fishing during shoulder seasons and quiet times of the day.
Inland Lakes
Bluegill, Northern Pike, Perch, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Sunfish are commonly found in the smaller inland lakes in and around Charlevoix.
In Charlevoix: Susan Lake- (medium watercraft boat launch on Shrigley Rd), Adams Lake- (small watercraft boat launch on Pops Rd), Nowland Lake- (small watercraft boat launch on Wickersham Rd/Nowland Lake Trail)
Near Charlevoix: Walloon Lake- (boat launch on M75 and Sumner Rd), Six Mile Lake and Sinclair Lake- (two boat launches on Six Mile Lake Rd), Ellsworth Lake- (boat launch on Lake St), Wilson Lake- (boat launch on Ruston Rd), Benway Lake- (access from Wilson Lake, and Hanley Lake), Intermediate Lake- (boat launch on Lake St), Lake Bellaire- (boat launch on Fishermans Paradise Rd), Torch Lake- (boat launches on M88, on US 31, in Alden, in Torch River), Clam Lake- (boat launch on Hoy Dewey Dr and from Torch Lake), Lake Skegemog- (from Torch Lake, and Elk Lake- boat launch on Elk Lake Dr and from Lake Skegemog)
Jordan River
The river above Graves Crossing Road has colored brook trout and brown trout. Further down the river, the brown trout get larger with the possibility to see over 20 inches. Steelhead and salmon are found in the spring and fall. The water stays cold and clear throughout the year which provides prolific hatches and healthy trout.
Beaver Island
A great place for flats-style fishing, Beaver Island offers miles of shallow waters bordering the shoreline. Fly fish for large carp by spotting them in crystal clear water. You can also catch smallmouth bass and other species on Beaver Island's inland lakes.
The accessibility to fishing in Charlevoix is easier than you might think. Whether you’re fishing the big lake for walleye, rivers for brown trout or camped out on the ice waiting for some tasty perch, the Charlevoix area offers many styles of fishing.
Choose the lakes you wish to fish in, take a look at Michigan's Fishing rules and regulations, and find out where to get a license with this helpful Department of Natural Resources link:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing