What You'll Find at Tawas Point Pier

Tawas Point State Park Pier is a working breakwater that juts into Lake Huron at the tip of a sandy peninsula—one of the few places in the region where you can walk out over deep water without a boat. The pier itself is roughly 2,000 feet long and built of concrete and steel, with a lighthouse at the far end. It's a public fishing pier, meaning you can walk it free of charge during daylight hours, and it draws anglers year-round because the structure creates a natural gathering point for fish moving along the shoreline.

The pier sits in a transition zone where shallow bay water meets the deeper lake. That geography matters: fish use the pier as a highway and a hunting ground. You'll find walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and lake trout depending on the season. The pier also attracts casual anglers and families, so expect company on weekends and during peak seasons. The concrete surface can be slippery when wet, and wind off the lake can be fierce, so dress for weather and bring footwear with good grip.

Key Takeaways

  • Tawas Point Pier is a free public fishing pier open during daylight hours, located at the tip of a sandy peninsula in Lake Huron near East Tawas.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent walleye and perch fishing, while summer offers smallmouth bass and occasional lake trout near the pier's end.
  • You'll need a Michigan fishing license and must follow state regulations on species, size limits, and daily catch limits—check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go.
  • The pier can be windy and slippery; wear non-slip shoes and bring layers, because lake weather changes fast and the wind accelerates across open water.
  • Early morning and evening produce better fishing than midday, and the pier is less crowded on weekdays and outside summer vacation weeks.

Seasonal Patterns and What Fish to Target

Spring (April through May) brings walleye into the shallower water as they move to spawning grounds. Fish the pier at dawn and dusk with live shiners or small jigs tipped with minnows. The water is still cold—often in the 40s—so fish move slowly and hold near structure. The pier's concrete pilings create that structure, so focus your casts within a few feet of the supports.

Summer (June through August) shifts the bite. Walleye retreat to deeper water beyond the pier's reach, but smallmouth bass move shallow to feed. You'll also encounter yellow perch in schools. Topwater lures and small crankbaits work well in the early morning; switch to live bait or soft plastics as the sun climbs. Lake trout occasionally show up near the pier's end in July and August, especially on overcast days. The pier gets crowded in summer, particularly on weekends.

Fall (September through October) is often the best fishing season at Tawas Point. Walleye return to shallower water as the lake cools, and perch are aggressive. Fish live minnows under a slip bobber or cast small jigs. The water temperature drops into the 50s, and fish feed more actively. Fewer anglers fish in fall, so you'll have more space and quieter conditions.

Winter (November through March) closes the pier to foot traffic due to ice and weather hazard. The lighthouse and park facilities remain accessible, but the pier itself is off-limits.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique for Pier Fishing

Bring a medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range—long enough to cast distance but short enough to handle in a crowd. A reel with a smooth drag and at least 150 yards of 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Walleye and perch don't require heavy gear, but you want enough backbone to set the hook and land a fish without losing it to the pier's rough concrete.

Live bait—shiners, shad, or crawfish—outperforms artificial lures at Tawas Point, especially in spring and fall. If you're using artificials, small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with a minnow head or soft plastic are effective. Crankbaits that mimic baitfish and topwater plugs work for smallmouth in summer. Bring a small net or a lip-grip tool; landing a fish on a high pier without one is difficult and risks losing the fish.

Cast parallel to the pier or toward the pilings rather than straight out. Fish hold in the shadow and current breaks created by the structure. Work your bait or lure slowly—walleye in cold water are not aggressive chasers. If you're using live bait under a bobber, set the depth so your bait hangs 2 to 4 feet off the bottom, then wait. Patience and observation catch more fish than constant casting.

Regulations, Licensing, and What You Need to Know

You must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish Tawas Point Pier. Licenses are sold online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops in East Tawas. A one-day license costs less than a week-long license if you're visiting briefly. Residents and non-residents pay different rates.

Michigan has specific size and daily catch limits for each species. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum size and a daily limit of five fish. Yellow perch have a 7-inch minimum and a daily limit of 25 fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Lake trout have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of three fish. These limits change periodically, so check the current Michigan fishing guide before you fish. The guide is free and available online or at bait shops.

The pier is open from sunrise to sunset. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the pier, and no camping is permitted. The park has a day-use fee of a few dollars per vehicle, payable at the entrance station. Restrooms and a small parking area are available near the pier's base.

Getting There and What to Bring

Tawas Point State Park is located at 686 Tawas Beach Road in East Tawas, Michigan. From downtown East Tawas, follow M-55 east toward the lake, then follow signs to the state park. The drive from the town center is roughly 5 miles and takes about 10 minutes. Parking is available in a dedicated lot near the pier entrance.

Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen—there's no shade on the pier, and the sun reflects off the water and concrete. A hat and polarized sunglasses reduce glare and help you spot fish. Wear layers; lake weather changes fast, and wind off the water cools you quickly. Non-slip shoes are essential—the concrete becomes slippery when wet or covered with algae. A small tackle box, a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk, and a cooler for keeping bait fresh round out the essentials.

When to Fish and How to Avoid the Crowds

Early morning—the hour after sunrise—is the most productive time to fish Tawas Point. Fish are active, the light is low, and the pier is quieter. Evening fishing, from an hour before sunset until dark, is also excellent. Midday fishing is slower and the pier is busier, especially in summer.

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you can fish on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll have more space and fewer distractions. Late September and October are ideal: the weather is pleasant, the fishing is strong, and summer tourists have left. Spring (April and early May) is also good—fewer people, active walleye, and cooler temperatures that keep you comfortable while you fish.

Avoid the pier during school vacation weeks in summer and around major holidays. The parking lot fills early, and the pier becomes congested. If you do fish during peak times, arrive before 7 a.m. to secure a good spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Tawas Point Pier?

No. The pier is a public fishing pier accessible on foot. You walk out from the base near the parking area. No boat is required, and no boat launch is available at the pier itself.

What's the difference between fishing the pier and fishing from shore nearby?

The pier extends far into deeper water, so you reach fish that don't come close to shore. You also access different structure—the pilings and the pier's edge create habitat that attracts walleye and perch. Shore fishing in the bay is easier and less crowded, but the pier offers better access to active fish, especially in spring and fall.

Can I keep fish I catch at Tawas Point Pier?

Yes, as long as they meet Michigan's size and daily limits. Walleye, perch, and smallmouth are all legal to keep. Check the current fishing guide for the exact limits, as they can change. Many anglers practice catch-and-release, especially for smallmouth bass.

Is the pier safe in windy conditions?

The pier is exposed, and wind can be strong. If gusts are severe or waves are breaking over the pier, it's safer to fish another day. The park may close the pier during extreme weather. Check conditions before you go, and don't fish if you feel unsafe.

What bait shops are near Tawas Point?

Several shops in East Tawas sell live bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. Ask at your lodging or search online for "bait and tackle East Tawas" to find current options. Shops can also tell you what's been biting recently, which saves time on the water.