The walleye fishing is tremendous on Little Bay de Noc and Big Bay de Noc. In this area, you can catch good numbers of walleye to go along with some absolute monsters. Walleye in the 10 pound range are possible as many anglers report fish this big in the spring and fall every year. It is definitely one of the better big fish walleye destinations in the midwest.
Little Bay de Noc Has More Walleye
Little Bay de Noc has always had a lot more walleye in it than Big Bay de Noc. The rivers in Little Bay de Noc are great spawning areas for walleye and they attract thousands upon thousands of walleye every year. From spring through fall, it really doesn’t compare when you look at the numbers of walleye that are in the little Bay versus the big bay. If you’re looking for numbers of fish with the potential to still catch a big fish Little Bay de Noc is the place to be.
Big Bay de Noc Has Bigger Walleye
Big Bay de Noc has always been the place to go if you’re looking for a trophy walleye. The big bay does not hold the numbers of walleye that you will find in the big bay, but the big, deep waters are home to some absolutely huge walleye. Don’t plan on catching as many walleye when you come to fish the big bay, but if you’re looking for trophy fish in the upper 20s and into the low 30 inch range, spend a couple of days on the big bay.
Both Bays Hold Walleye All Summer
You have vegetation and some offshore structure with plenty of deep water in both bays. For thousands of walleye, the bays will have everything they need all summer, which provides great fishing opportunities for anglers. Some of the biggest fish will leave the bays and go offshore, but to catch quality fish, you do not need to leave the bays at all in the summer.
Fish the Offshore Main Lake Shoals
In the summer and fall, some of the largest fish are caught on the offshore, main lake shoals. The structure will hold good numbers of fish at times, but most anglers that come out this far are usually looking for those bigger fish. Anglers report walleye in the 8 to 10 pound range and even bigger in these offshore waters.
Spring is Tough to Beat
So many walleye move into the shallows as they spawn in the local rivers every spring. Because of this, spring and early summer is such a tough time to beat when it comes to walleye fishing. You will have big numbers of fish and some very big fish as well in fairly shallow water throughout both bays. Little Bay de Noc will have a lot more walleye in it, so if you’re looking for big numbers of walleye, that is the bay to fish. However, it isn’t a secret so don’t be surprised to find a lot of other anglers fishing some of the same community hot spots in the spring.
Fish the Weeds
The weed lines set up nicely in the summer in the bays. Anglers report good success throughout the summer and fall fishing the deeper weed lines. You will find a lot of walleye near the weeds however don’t be surprised if you run into some northern pike, perch and even smallmouth bass too.
Learn More About Walleye
Our walleye has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them. Visit our walleye page to learn more.
