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Michigan · Fishing
McMillan Township sits in Luce County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and its fishing options are built around a mix of quiet inland lakes and moving water.
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McMillan Township sits in Luce County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and its fishing options are built around a mix of quiet inland lakes and moving water. The Tahquamenon River is the most prominent fishery in the area, running at around 640 feet elevation and offering northern pike, walleye, brook trout, and rainbow trout on water that's rated easy to access. Beavertown Lakes, North Branch Lakes, and Two Hearted Lakes round out the lake fishing options for anglers who prefer still water and the species that come with it. This is not a destination that gets the same pressure as better-known UP fisheries, which works in your favor if you're willing to do a little homework before you show up. The Tahquamenon is a tannin-stained river — that dark tea color is natural, caused by upstream cedar swamps, and it affects how fish respond to lure color and presentation. Lake fishing here tends to be most productive in early summer and again in fall when water temperatures drop. If you're driving up from the Lower Peninsula, plan for a full day of travel and check road conditions, especially on two-tracks leading to the smaller lakes.
The Tahquamenon River holds northern pike, walleye, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Brook trout and rainbow trout tend to concentrate in cooler stretches and tributary mouths, while pike and walleye are more widely distributed through the main river corridor.
Yes, a valid Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older. The Tahquamenon River may have specific size and bag limits for trout and walleye that differ from statewide defaults, so check the current Michigan DNR Fishing Guide for Luce County regulations before your trip rather than assuming standard rules apply.
Three Lakes
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Clear Lake Campsite
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
North Branch Lakes
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Tahquamenon River
~28 min drive
Easy
Two Hearted River
~29 min drive
Hard
Pictured Rocks - Grand Sable Lake
~35 min drive
Moderate
Steuben Lake Campsites
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Two Hearted Lakes
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
East Lake Campsites
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Beavertown Lakes
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Crooked Lake Campsite
~1h 21m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Ross Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Early morning and the last two hours before dark are consistently the most productive windows, particularly for walleye, which feed aggressively in low light. Pike can be active throughout the day, especially near weed edges and slower backwater areas.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most UP lake species well. Bring a selection of jigs, spinnerbaits, and live-bait rigs. A small boat or kayak will open up more water on these lakes, and a canoe or inflatable is worth hauling up if you don't want to rent.
The Tahquamenon River is rated easy for access, with established entry points that don't require technical navigation. The lakes in the area are more variable — some have improved boat launches while others involve two-track roads that can be rough after rain, so a high-clearance vehicle is useful if you're exploring off the main routes.
