Michigan · Fishing
Fishing in Thompson Township, Michigan
Thompson Township sits in Schoolcraft County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the fishing here runs the range from small inland lakes to the open water of Lake Michigan.
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Thompson Township sits in Schoolcraft County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the fishing here runs the range from small inland lakes to the open water of Lake Michigan. The township's four fishing spots cover two distinct experiences: pier fishing at Clear Lake Campsite and East Lake Campsites, where you're casting from a fixed structure over calmer inland water, and open lake fishing on Lake Michigan and McGinn Lake. Lake Michigan fishing from this stretch of the U.P. shoreline means dealing with bigger water and variable conditions, but it also means access to species you won't find in the inland lakes. McGinn Lake is a quieter option if you want to fish from a boat or the bank without the exposure of the big lake. The pier setups at Clear Lake and East Lake are genuinely useful for anglers who don't have a boat, and they double as campsite amenities, so you can fish morning and evening without going anywhere. This is not a destination built around trophy fishing infrastructure, but if you're already in the area or camping nearby, the variety across these four spots gives you real options depending on conditions and what you're after.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Michigan fishing license to fish at these spots?
Yes. Any angler 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license regardless of whether you're fishing from a pier at Clear Lake Campsite, casting on McGinn Lake, or fishing Lake Michigan. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan DNR website or at local bait and tackle shops before you head out.
What species can I realistically expect to catch in Thompson Township?
Lake Michigan in this region holds salmon, lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch depending on the season. The inland lakes like McGinn Lake and the water around Clear Lake and East Lake Campsites are more likely to hold bass, panfish, and pike. The activity listings here don't designate any of these waters as gold medal or wild trout fisheries, so manage expectations accordingly.
What's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through early fall is the most accessible window, especially for the inland pier sites at Clear Lake and East Lake, which are tied to campsite operations. Lake Michigan fishing can extend into fall when salmon runs are active. Ice fishing is possible on the inland lakes in winter, but you'll want to verify ice conditions locally before going out.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore or a pier?
You don't need a boat. Clear Lake Campsite and East Lake Campsites both have pier fishing, which gives shore-based anglers a solid option on the inland lakes. McGinn Lake and Lake Michigan can also be fished from the bank or shoreline, though a boat opens up more water on both, particularly on Lake Michigan.
Are the pier fishing spots at Clear Lake and East Lake open to the public, or only for campers?
Both Clear Lake Campsite and East Lake Campsites are campsite-based facilities, which typically means pier access is tied to staying at the campground. Contact the managing agency, likely the Michigan DNR or Schoolcraft County, before your trip to confirm whether day-use pier access is available without a camping reservation.
