• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Some restrooms and trash cans not available until Memorial Day

    Changes to visitor service due to Sequestration. Other than those at the visitor center and campgrounds, restrooms and trash cans will not be available until Memorial Day Weekend and will close after Labor Day. This includes the Manitou Islands. More »

  • Maritime Museum closed

    The Maritime Museum and Boathouse are closed until further notice.

Fishing

Anglers with a Michigan license can fish for trout, pike, bass, and salmon. Certain fish may be contaminated and should be eaten in limited amounts or not at all. Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for details about fishing regulations in Michigan and the Michigan Fish Advisory for information about fish consumption.

There are several small inland lakes to fish in the Lakeshore. On the southern part of the park, you will find Loon Lake along the Platte River. There is a boat launch just off M-22 for Loon Lake. Otter Lake is near Trail's End road, but the boat launch is made for canoes and will not accomodate trailers. On the northern end of the park, Bass Lake and School Lake offer good fishing. There is a boat launch for School Lake on County Rd. 669.

For some excellent smallmouth bass fishing, try Lake Manitou on North Manitou Island. The island has some additional fishing regulations: artificial lure only and 18 inch minimum size.

Did You Know?

North Bar Lake

You can enjoy the warm water of a small inland lake and walk a few steps across the pristine sand dunes to Lake Michigan and experience the refreshing cool waves of the big lake at North Bar Lake in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. More...