Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Lakes & Reservoirs
Spin, Cast & Bait
Little Bay de Noc Fishing Guide
Michigan
The northern Lake Michigan bay at Escanaba and Gladstone, where the DNR lists walleye in every season and smallmouth bass from spring through fall.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Little Bay de Noc for smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. In October, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 5 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Bay View Bait and Tackle in Wells Twp, about 3 mi away. Lake Superior (Marquette) is about 56 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Season at a Glance
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Walleye
JFMAMJJASOND
What You'll Catch
Little Bay de Noc Species
Smallmouth Bass
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Apr to Oct
Yellow Perch
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jan to May, Sep to Oct
Walleye
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jan to Oct
Images: Duane Raver, USFWS; Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. marks species in season in October.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · After dark.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye, Yellow Perch
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Little Bay de Noc
Rigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
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Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Little Bay de Noc
Farther Out
Within 25 Miles
Guides and Charters Near Little Bay de Noc
GuideFly Fishing
Into The Wild Fly Fishing Guide Service
Escanaba, Michigan· 3 mi
1309 Ludington St 906-280-4983
GuideFly Fishing
Caddis Shack Guide Service
Escanaba, Michigan· 4 mi
814 S 14th St 906-280-8791
Per their website: Half-Day Trips, Full-Day Trips, Float Trips, Wade Trips
Make It a Trip