What Mullett Lake offers anglers

Mullett Lake is a 22,000-acre coldwater lake in Cheboygan County that holds walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. The lake sits at the north end of the Inland Waterway, connected to Burt Lake to the south, and its depth—reaching over 200 feet in places—keeps the water cold enough for trout year-round. Most anglers come for walleye and pike, especially in spring and fall when both species move into shallower water and feed aggressively.

The character of Mullett is different from the smaller lakes around it. It's big enough that wind and weather matter, and deep enough that you can't just wade and cast—you need a boat and a willingness to work structure. The shoreline is mostly residential, but public access exists at a few key points, and the lake's size means you won't feel crowded even on busy weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Mullett Lake holds walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, with walleye and pike being the primary targets for most anglers.
  • Public boat launches are located at the Cheboygan State Park access site and at Topinabee, both on the southern end of the lake.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye and pike, when fish move shallow to feed.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; walleye and pike have specific daily catch limits and size restrictions that change by year.
  • The lake's depth exceeds 200 feet in the main basin, so structure like drop-offs, rocky points, and weed edges hold fish predictably.

Public access and boat launches

Cheboygan State Park operates the main public access on Mullett Lake's south shore. The park has a boat launch, parking, and facilities, though parking fills quickly on weekends during peak season. This is your most reliable entry point if you're coming from Cheboygan or the south.

Topinabee Township also maintains a public launch on the lake's eastern shore, accessible from M-27. This site is smaller and less crowded than the state park launch, making it a good alternative if you're willing to drive a few extra miles. Both launches have fees; check current rates with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or call ahead during winter months, as some facilities close seasonally.

Walleye fishing on Mullett Lake

Walleye on Mullett respond well to live bait and jigging, especially in spring and early summer. Work the drop-offs on the lake's east and west sides, where the bottom falls from 15 feet to 40 feet or deeper. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but walleye here also bite during overcast days and at night.

Fall walleye fishing (September through October) can be excellent as fish move back into shallower water before winter. Crawler harnesses trolled along the weed edges and rocky points produce steady action. If you're new to the lake, hiring a guide for a day will teach you the structure and seasonal patterns much faster than trial and error.

Northern pike and largemouth bass

Pike on Mullett grow large and aggressive. Spring is peak season—cast large swimbaits and topwater lures along the shallow bays and weed lines on the north end of the lake. The water warms quickly in the shallows, and pike follow baitfish into these areas to spawn and feed. Fall pike fishing is also strong as fish prepare for winter.

Smallmouth bass are present throughout the lake, particularly around rocky structure and deeper weed beds. They're not the primary draw for most Mullett anglers, but if you're targeting pike or walleye and want to diversify, smallmouth will take the same jigs and live bait you're already using. Summer smallmouth fishing is slower than spring and fall, but it's still possible if you work deeper structure.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring (April through May) is when Mullett Lake produces its most consistent fishing. Walleye and pike move shallow to spawn, and both species feed heavily before and after the spawn. Water temperatures in the 40s to low 50s trigger aggressive feeding. This is also when most anglers return to the lake after winter, so expect company at the launches.

Summer fishing slows as walleye move deep to find cooler water. Lake trout become more relevant in June and July if you have the equipment to fish 60 to 100 feet down. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools and fish move back into shallower feeding zones. Winter ice fishing is possible, but ice conditions vary by year—check with local bait shops before committing to a trip.

What to bring and what to know

A Michigan fishing license is required. Daily catch limits and minimum size restrictions for walleye and pike vary by year and are set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Check the current regulations before you fish—they're published in the annual fishing guide available at license vendors and online.

Mullett Lake can get rough in wind because of its size and exposure. If you're launching a smaller boat, monitor the weather and be prepared to stay ashore if conditions deteriorate. The lake's depth means you should carry a good fish finder to locate structure and suspended fish. Bring more bait and lures than you think you'll need—pike especially can be hard on tackle.

Nearby resources and information

Cheboygan has several bait and tackle shops that stock live bait, lures, and local knowledge. Stop in before you fish to ask about recent catches and current conditions. The shops can also tell you which areas are producing and what techniques are working that week.

The Cheboygan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website both have information about access, regulations, and seasonal conditions. If you're planning a trip and want to fish with someone who knows the lake well, guide services operate out of Cheboygan and can be found through the visitors bureau or online searches for "Mullett Lake fishing guides."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye and pike. Water temperatures in the 40s to low 50s trigger aggressive feeding, and fish are in shallower water where they're easier to locate and catch. Summer fishing is slower because walleye move deep.

Do I need a boat to fish Mullett Lake?

Yes. The lake is large and deep, and most productive fishing happens away from shore in deeper water and around structure. Shore fishing is possible at the state park and some residential areas, but a boat gives you access to the drop-offs and structure where walleye and pike hold.

What size walleye and pike can I keep?

Minimum size limits and daily catch limits change by year and are set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Check the current regulations in the annual fishing guide before you fish. Regulations are also available on the DNR website and at license vendors.

Can I fish Mullett Lake in winter?

Ice fishing is possible when the lake freezes solid, but ice conditions vary by year. Check with local bait shops in Cheboygan before planning a winter trip to confirm ice thickness and safety. Some winters the ice is thick and reliable; other years it's thin or unsafe.

Where can I get live bait for Mullett Lake?

Bait shops in Cheboygan stock crawlers, minnows, and other live bait year-round. They can also tell you what's working that week and where other anglers are catching fish. Calling ahead during off-season months is a good idea to confirm hours and availability.