What Au Train Lake offers anglers

Au Train Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake in Alger County's Upper Peninsula that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and averages 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and muck bottom that create ideal habitat for pike and walleye but also make navigation and presentation matter more than on clearer lakes. Most anglers fish it for walleye in spring and fall or target pike year-round, though summer can be productive if you work the deeper holes and weed edges where fish retreat from the heat.

The lake sits about 15 minutes west of Munising and is accessible from a public boat launch on the south shore. Because it's shallow and weedy, Au Train rewards anglers who know how to read structure—the transition zones between open water and thick vegetation are where walleye and pike spend most of their time hunting. The lake's character changes with the season: spring brings aggressive walleye feeding along the weed edges, summer pushes fish deeper and tighter to cover, and fall sees another strong bite as water cools and walleye move shallower again.

Key Takeaways

  • Au Train Lake is a 1,200-acre shallow lake best known for walleye and northern pike, with a public launch on the south shore near Munising.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye; summer fishing requires working deeper holes and weed edges where fish escape the heat.
  • Extensive weed beds and muck bottom mean you need to understand structure and use presentations that work in heavy cover—jigs, live bait, and pike-sized lures are standard.
  • The lake's shallow depth and vegetation make it less crowded than nearby Michigamme or Gogebic, giving you more room to explore different areas.

Spring walleye fishing and weed-edge patterns

Spring is Au Train's best season for walleye. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and begin hunting along weed edges and shallow structure. The south and west sides of the lake warm first and hold fish earliest—typically mid-April through May. Work jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers along the outside edge of weed beds in 8 to 15 feet of water. Cast parallel to the weeds rather than into them; the fish are hunting the open-water side of the vegetation, not buried in it.

Slip-bobber rigs with live minnows also produce well in spring, especially if you're targeting specific depth zones. Set your bobber stop to keep the minnow 2 to 4 feet above bottom and work the edges slowly. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though overcast days can extend the bite through midday. If you're fishing live bait, keep your presentation moving slightly—a stationary rig in spring often means a missed bite.

Summer: deeper holes and night fishing

Summer on Au Train requires a shift in strategy. By late June, shallow water warms into the low 70s, and walleye retreat to deeper holes and the densest weed cover where light penetration is lowest. The deepest basin, roughly in the center of the lake, holds fish during the day. Work this area with live bait on slip-bobbers or vertical jigging presentations in 18 to 25 feet of water. Expect slower action than spring, but the fish that bite are often larger.

Night fishing becomes productive in summer. Walleye move shallower after dark to hunt in the weed beds. Fish the same weed edges you worked in spring, but do it under moonlight or with a headlamp. Jigs and live bait work, but many anglers switch to crankbaits or spinners that create vibration and noise in the dark. The bite can be fast and aggressive once you locate active fish, but it's concentrated in a short window—usually 10 p.m. to midnight.

Northern pike and year-round opportunities

Au Train's pike population is strong and often overlooked by walleye-focused anglers. Pike are active year-round and respond well to larger presentations: 4- to 6-inch live minnows, pike-sized crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. The weed beds that hold walleye also hold pike, but pike are more aggressive and less selective. You can fish the same structure as walleye but with heavier tackle and expect faster action, especially in spring and fall.

Winter pike fishing is underrated on Au Train. The lake's shallow depth and weed cover make it a solid ice-fishing destination. Set tip-ups with live minnows over the deeper holes and weed edges, or jig for pike with larger spoons and jigging minnows. The bite is often best in late afternoon as light fades. Pike caught through the ice on Au Train tend to run 24 to 32 inches, with occasional fish pushing into the 40-inch range.

Launch access and seasonal conditions

The public boat launch is located on the south shore of Au Train Lake, accessible from Forest Road 2270 near Munising. The launch is maintained year-round and has a parking area, though it can get tight on weekends during peak season. The lake is shallow enough that a standard 16- to 18-foot fishing boat works well, but a shallow-draft boat or pontoon gives you more flexibility in navigating the weed beds without hanging up. Many anglers use smaller boats or canoes to access the shallower bays and weed pockets.

Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, and spring runoff sometimes makes the launch area muddy. Fall is typically the most stable time for launch conditions. Winter access depends on ice thickness; the lake usually freezes solid by mid-December, but always check local conditions before heading out. The Upper Peninsula's weather can change fast, so bring extra layers and a plan for wind—Au Train's shallow depth means it can get choppy quickly in a stiff breeze.

Tackle and presentation for shallow, weedy water

Au Train's weed beds demand tackle that can handle snags and vegetation. Use 8- to 10-pound braided line for better sensitivity and hookset power when fishing jigs; the low stretch of braid helps you feel the bottom and detect subtle bites in heavy cover. Monofilament works for live-bait presentations and crankbaits, but it's less forgiving in weeds. Jig heads should be 1/4 to 3/8 ounce for most presentations; heavier jigs help you stay in contact with bottom in deeper areas, but lighter jigs work better in shallow weed edges.

Live bait is the most reliable approach on Au Train. Shiners, chubs, and crawlers all produce walleye; pike respond to larger minnows and crawlers. Crankbaits that mimic baitfish and can handle occasional weed contact work well in spring and fall. Spinnerbaits are underrated on this lake—they move through weeds better than most lures and create vibration that pike and walleye respond to in low-light conditions. Avoid finesse presentations; Au Train's fish are not line-shy, and heavier, noisier lures often outproduce subtle offerings.

Comparing Au Train to nearby lakes

Au Train sits in a region with several other productive walleye and pike lakes. Michigamme Lake, about 20 minutes south, is larger and deeper, with clearer water and a more established tournament scene. Gogebic Lake, to the west, is known for walleye and has more developed infrastructure. Au Train's advantage is its shallow, weedy character—it holds more pike and panfish, and it's less crowded. If you want solitude and don't mind working through vegetation, Au Train rewards the effort.

The trade-off is that Au Train requires more skill in reading structure and navigating weeds. Anglers new to the lake often struggle because the weed beds look uniform from the boat, but subtle depth changes and vegetation density shifts hold the most fish. Spending time exploring different areas and learning where the deepest holes sit relative to the launch will pay dividends across multiple seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Au Train Lake?

Spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye. Summer requires more effort and night fishing, but pike bite well year-round. Winter ice fishing is solid if you have access and experience on ice.

Do I need a special boat to fish Au Train?

A standard 16- to 18-foot fishing boat works fine, but a shallow-draft boat or pontoon gives you more flexibility navigating the weed beds. Many anglers use smaller boats or canoes to reach shallow bays. Avoid deep-V hulls if you plan to fish the shallower edges.

What size fish can I expect from Au Train?

Walleye typically run 16 to 22 inches, with occasional fish pushing 24 inches. Pike average 24 to 32 inches, and panfish (bluegill and crappie) are abundant in the 7- to 10-inch range. The lake produces quality fish but is not known for trophy-sized walleye.

Can I fish Au Train in winter?

Yes. The lake usually freezes solid by mid-December. Ice fishing for pike and walleye is productive, especially over the deeper holes and weed edges. Always check local ice conditions before heading out, and fish with a partner when possible.

Is Au Train crowded compared to other U.P. lakes?

Au Train is less crowded than Michigamme or Gogebic, especially on weekdays. The shallow, weedy character appeals to fewer anglers, which means more room to explore and less pressure on the fish. Weekends during peak season can still draw a crowd, but it's manageable.