Fishing Escanaba River

Delta County, Michigan

Fish Species

Brook troutBrown troutCoho salmonRainbow troutWalleye

DNR Fish Stocking

Walleye: 5,681,223 totalBrown trout: 327,708 totalCoho salmon: 228,820 totalBrook trout: 126,079 totalRainbow trout: 1,500 total
DateSpeciesStrainNumberAvg Length
9/20/2025 Brown trout — 375 9.49"
9/20/2025 Brown trout — 375 9.49"
5/7/2025 Coho salmon Michigan 39,990 5.91"
6/17/2024 Walleye Bay De Noc 76,303 1.89"
9/18/2023 Brown trout — 800 9.49"
9/16/2022 Brown trout — 1,200 9.84"
7/7/2022 Walleye Bay De Noc 16,847 2.17"
6/23/2021 Walleye Bay De Noc 29,990 1.93"
5/7/2020 Brown trout Sturgeon River 12,000 4.84"
5/7/2020 Brown trout Sturgeon River 12,500 4.84"

Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database

Ice Fishing

Little Bay de Noc freezes reliably most winters and is one of Michigan's premier ice fishing destinations — walleye are the main draw, with anglers setting up shanties across the bay. The area also hosts ice races in winter. Always check local ice reports before heading out, as conditions near the river mouth can be less stable due to current.

Fishing Tournaments & Competitions

Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Escanaba River.

🏆 MI Tournament SearchDNR Fishing Tournament Information System 🎣 Tournament CalendarAmerican Fishing Contests — Escanaba River

Michigan Fishing Resources

🐟 Master Angler ProgramTrophy catch records & map — apply for your patch 📋 Michigan Fishing Regulations2025–2026 season dates, size & possession limits 📍 DNR Where to FishSpecies-specific locations & family fishing waters ⚠️ Eat Safe Fish GuidePFAS & contaminant advisories for Michigan waters

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish are in the Escanaba River and Little Bay de Noc?

The river mouth and bay are known for walleye, smallmouth bass, and salmon (king and coho, especially during fall runs). Little Bay de Noc is widely considered one of the best walleye fisheries in the entire Great Lakes system. Perch and northern pike are also common in the bay.

Can you fish from shore on the Escanaba River?

Absolutely. There are three fishing piers connected by a boardwalk at the river mouth launch area. It's a popular spot for shore anglers, and the piers are also nice for picnics and bird watching. Bring bug spray — there's no shade.

Can you ice fish on Little Bay de Noc near the Escanaba River?

Yes — Little Bay de Noc is one of Michigan's top ice fishing destinations, especially for walleye. The bay freezes reliably most winters, and reviewers mention ice races as a winter attraction. The area draws serious ice anglers from across the Midwest.

Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Escanaba River Guide

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