Marquette Fishing Guides
Marquette, Michigan fishing charters work the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior for lake trout, salmon, and steelhead, along with inland trips targeting walleye and bass.
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Marquette, MI Fishing Guide
Marquette sits on Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula shoreline, with Lake Superior offering a deep, cold-water fishery right out of the harbor. Most charters in Marquette, MI, run from the Lower Harbor or Presque Isle Marina, with half-day and full-day options depending on how far out you want to chase fish. The structure here is a mix of rocky points, deep basins, and nearshore reefs that hold lake trout and salmon most of the year. In summer, boats may run 5–15 miles to find temperature breaks and bait concentrations, while spring and fall often see fish close to shore. Inland, rivers like the Chocolay, Carp, and Dead Rivers hold seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon, while nearby lakes produce walleye, pike, and bass.
The bite on Lake Superior changes with the seasons and even day to day with wind direction. Spring means brown trout and coho salmon tight to the shoreline. Summer focuses on deep-water lake trout programs using downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core lines to work the thermocline. Fall brings staging salmon near river mouths and steelhead into the rivers. Common techniques here include trolling spoons and plugs, jigging for lake trout over reefs, and drifting or fly fishing for river species.
Charter captains in Marquette, Michigan are used to handling Superior’s big-water conditions, running heavy-duty trolling gear and boats built for sudden weather changes. Specialty trips may include nearshore jigging for trout and whitefish, or late-fall river floats for steelhead. If Superior kicks up, it’s common to switch to inland lakes and rivers, making sure anglers still get a solid day on the water. Between the big-lake adventure and the variety of species, Marquette, MI offers a strong mix for serious anglers and newcomers alike
Fishing Seasons in Marquette
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Marquette, MI starts right after ice-out when the harbors open. Brown trout and coho salmon stack along the shoreline and at river mouths, feeding on smelt and other baitfish. Trolling shallow-running stickbaits and spoons in 10–30 feet of water is common, often within sight of land. Rivers like the Chocolay see steelhead runs, with spawn bags or streamers working well. By late spring, lake trout start moving into shallower reefs where jigging is effective. Water stays cool, so fish remain active throughout the day, and conditions are usually calmer than in summer.
Summer (June–August)
In summer, lake trout move deep as surface temperatures rise, with most charters heading 5–15 miles offshore to fish 60–150 feet. Downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core lines are standard setups. Kings and coho salmon show up around temperature breaks and offshore structure. Inland lakes offer early-morning and evening walleye or bass action, but midday is best spent trolling Superior. Summer weather on Lake Superior can change quickly, so many Michigan captains favor morning departures for calmer water. This is peak mixed-bag season with lake trout, salmon, and steelhead all possible in one trip.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings salmon staging near the river mouths, where anglers cast spoons or drift spawn under floats. Cooling water pulls lake trout back toward shore, making nearshore trolling productive again. Steelhead start showing in rivers by late September, with both float fishing and fly tactics working. Inland, pike become more aggressive as water cools. Some captains switch to vertical jigging lake trout over reefs in 50–100 feet—a more hands-on style than trolling. Weather can be unpredictable, but when it’s calm, Superior in fall is hard to beat.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing around Marquette, MI is mostly an inland game, with frozen lakes producing steady action for walleye, northern pike, and perch. Lake Superior rarely freezes solid near Marquette, so open-water opportunities are limited, but some anglers work the shoreline for trout and salmon when conditions allow. Ice anglers target drop-offs and weed edges with tip-ups baited with minnows or jigging spoons. The UP’s cold, snowy winters mean reliable ice from late December through March, and the lack of crowds makes for a quiet, scenic fishing experience.
Gamefish in Marquette
- Lake Trout – 3–20 lbs. Found on reefs and deep structure in Lake Superior, taken by trolling spoons or jigging, especially in summer.
- Chinook Salmon – 8–20 lbs. Summer and early fall offshore over deep water, caught trolling around temperature breaks.
- Coho Salmon – 2–8 lbs. Spring nearshore bite and late summer offshore schools, trolling small spoons or plugs.
- Steelhead – 4–12 lbs. Fall and spring runs in local rivers, best on spawn bags or swung flies
- Brown Trout – 2–10 lbs. Spring shoreline and river mouth fishery, trolling stickbaits or spoons in cold water.
- Walleye – 2–8 lbs. Inland lakes in summer and winter, taken by jigging or trolling crawler harnesses.
- Northern Pike – 4–15 lbs. Inland weed beds and drop-offs, especially in fall and under the ice.
Marquette Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points for fishing in Marquette, MI?
Most charters leave from Marquette Lower Harbor or Presque Isle Marina, both with good access to Lake Superior’s deep water and nearshore structure
How long are typical fishing trips in Marquette?
Half-day trips are common for nearshore trout and salmon, while full-day runs are better for offshore deep-water fishing or mixed-bag trips.
Do charters in Marquette, MI provide fishing gear?
Yes, most captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Anglers are usually only responsible for clothing, food, and a Michigan fishing license.
When is the best time to fish in Marquette?
Late spring through early fall offers the most variety, with lake trout, salmon, and steelhead all active. Winter is best for inland ice fishing.
What techniques are most common here?
Trolling with downriggers and divers dominates on Lake Superior, while jigging and drifting are used for lake trout, steelhead, and inland walleye.
What species can I expect to catch?
Lake trout are the main target, but Chinook and coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, walleye, and pike are all possible depending on season.
How many people can join a charter in Marquette, MI?
Most boats can take four to six anglers, though larger groups can often be accommodated with multiple boats
Are fishing licenses required in Michigan?
Yes, anyone 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license, available online or from local retailers.
Do any charters offer specialty trips?
Some captains run jigging trips for lake trout and whitefish, river steelhead trips in fall, or even inland lake excursions when Superior is rough.