Fishing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Watersmeet Area Fishing Over 500 names lakes and 2,000 miles of river and stream await the angler in the Ottawa National Forest. Access to the fishing waters can vary from a paved boat ramp and parking lot to an undeveloped trail. Generally, spring and early summer are the best times for lake fishing.
Late summer is somewhat slower with fall fishing somewhere in between.
Check a Michigan DNR Fishing Guide for seasons and regulations. Fly Fishing Brook Trout and Brown Trout are commonly found in the rivers of the Ottawa. The Watersmeet Visitor Center Staff can provide you with a complete list of streams and species that occur in each area. Lake Fishing Numerous opportunities for lake fishing may be found mostly located in the southern half of the Forest. A variety of lake sizes and depths support several fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Musky, Trout, and a variety of panfish.