What Garth Point offers walleye and pike anglers

Garth Point is a shallow-water structure on the western side of Bay de Noc, roughly 8 to 10 miles north of Escanaba. The point itself is a hard-bottom shelf that drops from 12 to 18 feet of water into deeper basin, making it a natural feeding zone where walleye and northern pike congregate, especially during spring and fall. The bottom is a mix of sand, gravel, and scattered rock—the kind of hard substrate that holds baitfish and attracts predators year-round.

What makes Garth Point distinct from other Bay de Noc structure is its accessibility and consistency. You don't need a GPS waypoint to find it; the point is visible from shore on clear days, and it's close enough to the Escanaba River mouth that many anglers fish it as part of a larger Bay de Noc run. The shallow-to-deep transition happens fast, so you can work the breakline efficiently without burning fuel or spending hours searching.

Key Takeaways

  • Garth Point is a hard-bottom shelf on the western side of Bay de Noc where walleye and pike feed along the 12- to 18-foot breakline.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons, when fish move shallow to feed before and after the summer heat.
  • Live shiners and crawfish work best for walleye; larger shiners and sucker minnows draw pike, especially around dawn and dusk.
  • The point is close to Escanaba and accessible by boat from the city's public launch, making it a half-day or full-day option depending on how much of Bay de Noc you want to cover.

Spring walleye fishing at Garth Point

Spring is when Garth Point shines for walleye. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s (late April through May), walleye move from the deeper basin onto the point to hunt. They're hungry after winter, and the hard bottom concentrates baitfish, so you'll often find active fish in 14 to 18 feet of water along the breakline.

Live shiners in the 3- to 4-inch range work best. Rig them on a slip sinker with a 2-foot leader and a size 2 or 3 hook, and position your boat on the deeper side of the point so you can cast or drift toward shallower water. Walleye will often move up to meet the bait, so don't assume you need to fish deep. Work the transition zone—the area where the bottom changes slope—and you'll find most of your fish there.

Jigging with live crawfish is equally effective in spring. Use a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig with a crawfish hooked through the tail, and work it vertically or with short hops along the breakline. The key is staying in contact with the bottom; walleye in spring are less aggressive than in summer, so they won't chase a bait far.

Fall fishing and the transition to winter

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring in many ways. As water temperatures drop from the 70s into the 50s, walleye move back onto the point to feed before the lake turns over and becomes stratified. The fishing window is shorter than spring—usually 4 to 6 weeks—but the bite is often more aggressive because fish are feeding heavily before winter.

The same live-shiner and crawfish tactics work in fall, but you may find fish in slightly shallower water (12 to 16 feet) earlier in the season. By late October, as water cools further, they'll drop back into the 16- to 20-foot range. Pay attention to water temperature; when it drops below 50 degrees, the bite often slows, and you may need to move deeper or switch to slower presentations.

Pike are also active in fall at Garth Point. Larger shiners (4 to 6 inches) and small sucker minnows draw strikes, especially in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. Pike tend to hunt the shallower end of the point (12 to 14 feet), so don't overlook that zone if you're targeting both species.

Summer and winter considerations

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season at Garth Point. Walleye move deeper into the basin to find cooler water, and the shallow breakline becomes less productive. If you fish Garth Point in summer, focus on early morning and late evening when walleye move shallow to feed. Deeper presentations—live crawfish jigged in 20 to 25 feet of water—can work, but you're often better off exploring other parts of Bay de Noc or moving to a different lake entirely.

Winter fishing at Garth Point is possible but requires ice-fishing equipment and a willingness to drill multiple holes. Walleye do suspend over the deeper basin adjacent to the point, and jigging with live shiners or spoons can produce, but the season is short and weather-dependent. Most anglers focus on spring and fall when the fishing is more predictable and the conditions are safer.

Tackle and technique specifics

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is standard. Monofilament is forgiving in spring when walleye are less aggressive; braided line gives you better bottom contact for jigging. A slip-sinker rig or a simple jig-and-minnow setup will cover most situations.

Pike fishing calls for heavier tackle: a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a short wire or heavy-mono leader. Pike have sharp teeth and will cut through standard line. Use a snap swivel to connect your leader, and change it out if you see any fraying.

Trolling is less common at Garth Point than live-bait fishing, but if you want to cover water quickly, small crankbaits (size 5 to 7) in natural colors work. Keep your speed slow (1 to 2 miles per hour) and follow the breakline rather than crossing it randomly.

Getting to Garth Point and planning your trip

Launch from the Escanaba City Boat Launch on the Escanaba River, just south of downtown. The launch is public, has parking, and is well-maintained. From there, head north into Bay de Noc and follow the shoreline; Garth Point is visible from the water and marked on most GPS units. The run is roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on your boat speed.

Bring a depth finder or GPS unit with a Bay de Noc map loaded. Even though Garth Point is a recognizable landmark, a depth finder will help you stay on the productive breakline and avoid the deeper water beyond it. The point can get crowded during peak spring and fall weekends, so consider fishing weekday mornings or arriving early to claim your spot.

Weather on Bay de Noc can change fast. The bay is large and exposed, so wind can build quickly and make the water rough. Check the forecast before you leave, and don't hesitate to move to a more protected area or head in if conditions deteriorate. Spring and fall storms are common, so bring rain gear and a life jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Garth Point?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive. Walleye feed during these low-light periods. Midday fishing is slower but not impossible, especially if you fish deeper water or use live crawfish jigged vertically along the breakline.

Do I need a boat to fish Garth Point?

Yes. Garth Point is an offshore structure, and there's no shore access. You'll need a boat launched from Escanaba or another Bay de Noc access point. A 16- to 18-foot boat is ideal for Bay de Noc's conditions, but smaller boats can work if you stay close to shore and watch the weather.

What size walleye and pike can I expect?

Walleye at Garth Point typically range from 15 to 22 inches, with occasional fish over 24 inches. Pike run larger, often 24 to 30 inches, with some exceeding 35 inches. The point attracts a mix of sizes, so you might catch a 12-inch walleye and a 28-inch pike in the same morning.

Is Garth Point good for beginners?

Yes, it's a good starting point for Bay de Noc fishing. The structure is easy to find, the breakline is well-defined, and the fishing is consistent during spring and fall. If you're new to walleye fishing, start with live-shiner rigs and focus on the 14- to 18-foot zone. You'll learn the breakline quickly and build confidence.

Can I fish Garth Point year-round?

Technically yes, but practically no. Spring and fall are the productive seasons. Summer is slow, and winter requires ice-fishing equipment and ice-safe conditions. Most anglers focus their Garth Point trips on April through May and September through October when the fishing is most reliable.