Experienced locals claim Deepwater Point in the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay along Acme is one of the hot spots. Here, anglers go for 10 to 15-pound brown trout. The fisheries surrounding the Manitou Islands are highly productive and popular charter destinations. The pure waters of the region's inland lakes also provide outstanding angling opportunities. Green Lake and Duck Lake in Interlochen are known for their smallmouth bass, northern pike and lake trout populations.
Silver Lake produces good walleye, bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass.
In Big Glen Lake, anglers go for splake and lake trout, while South Lake Leelanau rewards anglers with northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye. With a depth of 160 feet and a sandy bottom, beautiful Crystal Lake in Benzie County provides plentiful lake trout catches. The northern tree-lined rivers and streams offer additional inland fishing experiences. Planted fish in Platte and Betsie rivers in Benzie County make for some of Michigan's best salmon and coho catches during spawning season. The Boardman River in Grand Traverse County produces excellent brown and rainbow trout catches.