Cover photo courtesy of Leelanau Conservancy.
Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast and Luxury Condos are ideally located in Glen Arbor Mi and just steps from Lake Michigan. There are many summer activities in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Also check out our article about the best golf courses in the area.
Fishing Glen Lake offers some of the most rewarding angling experiences in Michigan. Glen Lake has earned its reputation as one of Michigan’s best inland lake trout fisheries while spanning 4,800 acres. Little Glen’s status as a premier perch destination adds to the appeal. The Crystal River Glen Arbor Michigan adds another dimension with its seasonal trout and salmon runs.
You can make the most of your time on these waters by understanding MI fishing regulations and knowing the best access points, whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another summer. In this piece, we’ll walk you through everything you need for successful fishing Glen Lake Michigan, from hotspot locations to local rules and conservation practices.
Planning Your Fishing Trip to Glen Lake Michigan
When to Visit for Best Summer Fishing
Summer brings peak productivity to Glen Lake Michigan, with water temperatures reaching optimal levels for a variety of species. Early morning provides excellent fishing from before sunup to just before mid-morning. Late morning through early afternoon sees fish move to deeper water as temperatures rise, and this period becomes less productive. Fishing picks up again from early sundown until dark as waters cool and fish rise from the depths.
June through September offers the most consistent action for most species. The key is timing your outings around these temperature-driven patterns rather than fighting against them.
What to Bring: Gear and Equipment
Your rod selection matters. Spinning rods and reels offer versatility for Glen Lake fishing and accommodate both boat and shore techniques. Bait casting setups work better when you target larger species like lake trout and northern pike. Match your fishing line to your target species, with six to twelve-pound test covering most situations. Crystal River Outfitters is an excellent source of Crystal River information and fun gear rentals.
Stock your tackle box with both live bait and artificial lures. Live bait works well in cooler conditions and murky water, while lures excel during clear, sunny weather. Worms and bobbers will find bluegills around shallow structure. You’ll need appropriate weights and rigs for deeper water.
You’ll also want a cooler with ice, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Fishing pliers help remove hooks, and a net assists with landing larger catches. A valid Michigan fishing license is mandatory for anyone 17 and older.
Access Points and Boat Launches
The public boat launch sits on the northeast shore of Little Glen Lake at 7075 W. Day Forest Road in Empire, Michigan. Boats up to 20-25 feet can be launched there. Boat wash operators will inspect and rinse your watercraft to remove invasive species like Eurasian Watermilfoil before you hit the water.
Three public mooring areas serve boaters: the south shore of Big Glen under Inspiration Point, Old Settlers’ Park on the east shore of Big Glen Lake, and the Little Glen Picnic Area in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All other docks and shorelines remain private property.
Old Settler’s Park in Burdickville provides a public ramp on Big Glen Lake for non-motorized access. Crystal River offers public access at the intersection of County Road 675 and South Fisher Road, featuring parking and a non-motorized boat put-in.
Where to Fish: Glen Lake and Crystal River Michigan Fishing
Big Glen Lake Hotspots
Big Glen Lake spans 4,865 acres with depths reaching 130 feet. Lake trout, brown trout, small mouth bass, and yellow perch thrive here. The narrows connecting to Little Glen produce consistent action. Anglers troll Rapalas along shorelines in 10 to 20 feet of water. Bass and perch hold around structure in the northwest corner bay. Old Settlers Park on the southeastern shore provides access to springs and structure that attract fish. Deeper sections north of center require down riggers or lead core line for trout suspended at depth.
Little Glen Lake Perch Fishing
Little Glen Lake covers 1,400 acres with a maximum depth of just 13 feet. This shallow profile has made it a premier inland perch fishery. Yellow perch congregate near drop-offs and weed beds visible through the clear water. The narrows produce jumbo perch in the 10 to 15-inch range during early and late seasons. Rock bass and northern pike also inhabit these waters. Anglers fishing around structure in 8 to 9 feet of water find the most consistent action.
Crystal River Michigan Fishing Opportunities
The Crystal River flows 1.5 miles from Glen Lake to Lake Michigan through cedar swamps. This Type 3 designated trout stream supports rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and seasonal salmon runs. Chinook and coho salmon enter the river each fall to spawn. Smallmouth bass and panfish occupy warmer sections. The river’s shallow, clear water allows sight fishing during salmon runs in September. Steelhead follow salmon upstream from October through early May.
Shore Fishing vs Boat Fishing
Boats provide access to Big Glen’s deep structure, offshore shoals, and submerged features holding larger fish. Shore anglers on Little Glen can reach productive drop-offs and weed beds due to the shallow depth. Dock access extends 75 to 100 yards into Big Glen, though limited structure near shore reduces effectiveness. Boats enable trolling patterns and electronics to locate schools, while shore fishing offers spontaneity and lower costs.
Understanding Local Fishing Rules
Michigan Fishing License Requirements
Anyone 17 years or older must purchase a Michigan fishing license before fishing Glen Lake. Annual resident licenses cost $26. Nonresidents pay $76. Seniors 65 and older who are Michigan residents qualify for reduced rates at $11. Daily licenses run $10 for both residents and nonresidents. Youth under 17 fish without a license but must follow all regulations. You must carry your license and the ID used to purchase it while fishing.
Glen Lake Specific Regulations
Lake trout fishing on Glen Lake requires adherence to specific limits. The daily bag limit stands at three fish, with a minimum length of 15 inches each. Bass fishing follows statewide patterns with a 14-inch minimum size and a daily possession limit of five fish in any combination of largemouth and smallmouth. Walleye regulations set a 15-inch minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Muskellunge harvest requires mandatory registration within 24 hours. It carries a 42-inch minimum size with one fish allowed per angler per license year.
Bait and Tackle Restrictions
Michigan law prohibits transferring live bait between lakes. Bait fish collected from one water body may be used in that same water body. You cannot use lampreys, live carp or goldfish as bait. Anglers may use up to three lines per person, with no more than six hooks or lures total. Crayfish may be harvested in all waters open to fishing, with no size or possession limits. All tip-ups and similar devices must display the owner’s name and address.
Size Limits and Bag Limits
Northern pike require a 24-inch minimum with a two-fish daily limit. Yellow perch have no size restriction but carry a 25-fish daily possession limit. Channel catfish need a 12-inch minimum with a 10-fish limit. These regulations protect fish populations and provide reasonable harvest opportunities.
Fishing Responsibly in the Glen Lake Watershed
Protecting Glen Lake’s ecosystem requires action from every angler who launches a boat or casts a line.
Boat Cleaning to Stop Invasive Species
Michigan law requires removing aquatic plants from watercraft and trailers before entering state waters. You must pull drain plugs and drain water from live wells and bilges. Your boat must be free of organisms. Violations carry fines up to $100.
The Glen Lake Association operates a free boat wash at the Day Forest Road launch on Little Glen Lake. This heated pressure wash removes invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil fragments and quagga mussel eggs from hulls and motors. Over 4,000 boats pass through each year.
Proper Fish Handling Techniques
Wet your hands before touching any fish. This protects their slime coating. Keep fish in the water during hook removal if you can. Studies show fish held out of water for 30 seconds have a 62% survival rate. Fish kept submerged survive at 88%.
Cut the line if hooks lodge deep. Trying to remove them causes internal damage.
Respecting Spawning Areas
Spawning habitat improvements between Glen Lakes and Day Mill Pond want to boost perch, pike and bass populations. Avoid wading through visible redds. They appear as clean gravel patches in shallow water.
Safe Fish Consumption Guidelines
Michigan’s 2025 Eat Safe Fish Guides Check species-specific consumption limits at before you eat your catch.
View our Best Festivals In Glen Arbor This Summer article.
Conclusion
Glen Lake fishing delivers unmatched experiences when you respect the regulations and time your trips right. You’ll find consistent action throughout summer with the right gear, knowledge of hotspots and proper licensing. Practice responsible fishing by cleaning your boat and handling fish with care. Follow size limits. These conservation efforts ensure Glen Lake remains a premier fishery to come. Now get out there and make the most of what these waters offer.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the best time of day to fish Glen Lake during summer? Early morning before sunup until mid-morning offers excellent fishing, as does the period from early sundown until dark. Fish tend to move to deeper water during late morning through early afternoon when temperatures rise, making these hours less productive.
Q2. What bait and setup should I use for catching bluegills and panfish on Glen Lake? Use worms with a bobber and a couple of split shot weights. Fish around shallow structure like docks, submerged branches, drop-offs, or weed beds rather than in open water. Setting up 15-20 feet from shore typically produces good results for panfish during summer.
Q3. Where are the best fishing spots on Big Glen Lake? The narrows connecting to Little Glen Lake produce consistent action, especially when trolling in 10 to 20 feet of water. The area around Old Settlers Park on the southeastern shore near springs and structure is productive, as is the northwest corner bay for bass and perch.
Q4. Can I use live bait caught from another lake when fishing Glen Lake? No, Michigan law prohibits transferring live bait between lakes. Baitfish collected from one water body may only be used in that same water body. Additionally, you cannot use lampreys, live carp, or goldfish as bait.
Q5. Do I need a fishing license to fish Glen Lake, and how much does it cost? Anyone 17 years or older must have a Michigan fishing license. Annual resident licenses cost $26, while nonresidents pay $76. Daily licenses are available for $10 for both residents and nonresidents. Youth under 17 can fish without a license but must follow all regulations.