Jaymie Depew, communications and special project assistant, Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau

Surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Munising and its surrounding area is a haven for anyone yearning for a serene experience.

With hundreds of streams, inland lakes, and Lake Superior nearby, the rugged area also provides plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers looking to cast a line.

Hiawatha National Forest and the Pictured Rocks park offers an array of species in its lakes and streams. Inland lakes offer a variety of species including bass, pike, walleye, panfish and trout. Streams offer brook trout, salmon, steelhead and more.

There are numerous recreational services available in the Munising area. You can hire a fishing charter boat service or rent a pontoon to fish from, or fish from your boat or public docks and piers.

Ice fishing is also a popular pastime during the winter. However, anyone fishing should always ensure safe ice conditions before venturing out. Currents and wave action can affect ice formation, and the thickness of the ice can vary dramatically from one area to another. The responsibility to determine that the ice is safe lies solely with the angler.

Fishing regulations in the state of Michigan apply year-round, including creel limits, license requirements, use of live bait, laws regarding clean and dry boats, and seasons. Park and Forest Rangers and Michigan Conservation Officers are authorized to enforce state fishing regulations.

Fishing gear and licenses are available at many local businesses. For gear, visit South Bay Outfitters or Downwind Sports, both in downtown Munising. Licenses and equipment can be found at Madigan’s Ace Hardware, Denman’s Hardware and some gas stations throughout Alger County. Make sure to pick up a copy of the Michigan Fishing Guide, which is usually available wherever fishing licenses are sold.

The guide can also be found on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. There are also office locations for both the National Park Service and Forest Service in Munising if you have any questions, or visit the following websites:

Fishing in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/fishing.htm

Fishing in the Hiawatha National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/fishing

Editor’s note: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.