Portage Lake
The Keweenaw Peninsula is intersected by the Portage Canal. This waterway is used by commercial and pleasure boaters to get from one side of the Keweenaw Peninsula to the other on largely protected and calm water. This eliminates many miles of open water travel around the peninsula in the sometimes unforgiving Lake Superior. Between Houghton and Chassell, the canal opens up to the 12,000 acres of water known as Portage and Torch Lakes. Year-round fishing opportunities abound for everything from panfish, walleyes, and northern to salmon and trout—the lake truly provides a variety of opportunities. Choose to explore this water on your own or hire a local charter guide to put you on the fish.
Gratiot Lake
Known for its large northerns and walleyes, Gratiot Lake may be the ticket for that big one for the wall! Open water and ice fishing both offer opportunities to land a trophy. A decent smallmouth bass fishery and perch also provide action for anglers exploring the lake’s 1400+ acres.
Lac La Belle
With over 1,100 acres and connected to Lake Superior via the east side of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Lac La Belle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Keweenaw. Walleyes, northerns and smallmouths are plentiful. With its connection to Lake Superior via a ship canal, Lac La Belle offers trout, salmon and many other potential surprises!
Copper Harbor Splake
Copper Harbor resides at the end of Highway 41, at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is some of the most spectacularly beautiful country you will ever find, and the harbor itself is breathtaking. The crystal clear waters of the harbor are home to great numbers of Lake Superior Splake. This is a hybrid of a Brook Trout and a Lake Trout, and although they do not naturally reproduce, the DNR continues a stocking program to keep them plentiful. Don’t let that deter you, though! They regularly grow beyond 20″, are a blast on light tackle and taste wonderful! When they are in full “spawning color” (they don’t actually spawn), their beauty is matched locally only by natural Brook Trout.
Stream Fishing
Whether it is the steelhead run, chasing brook trout or browns or even fishing for various warm-water species, there are lots of opportunities to explore the local rivers and streams in and around the Keweenaw Peninsula. Pick an access point and explore!
Chasing brookies on a local creek
Love Lake
Our very own 10 acre, spring-fed Love Lake has a population of some of the most beautiful, natural brook trout you have ever seen. In the spring and through the ice, they are eager to take a spinner or spoon and have been caught in the 17 – 19″ range. Four years ago, 800 walleyes were planted, and they are thriving! Those same walleyes are in the 17-19″ range, as well, and we are even catching small, 8-9″ fish which means they are healthy and making babies! In years past, rainbows and browns were also planted, and most of them are now gone. However, rumor has it there are a few leftovers still in the lake, and some have grown considerably. At 10 acres, it is small but its consistent depths of 15-25′ mean there is plenty of room for our fish to grow. Do us a favor and practice catch and release, and use barbless hooks so we can preserve our special fishery!
Craig Lake State Park
Are you craving a real wilderness adventure? At just under an hour’s drive, back around Keweenaw Bay and through L’anse, you will find Craig Lake State Park. There are several amazing fishing lakes that, because of their remote location, walk-in access and motor restrictions, offer amazing fishing in a true “Canada-like” setting. Walleyes, northerns, smallmouth bass, and panfish abound! A couple of the lakes even provide the opportunity for a 50″ class musky! Imagine trying to land one of those from a canoe!