What Little Glen Lake offers anglers

Little Glen Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake in Leelanau County that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake runs about 160 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and muck bottom that create ideal habitat for pike and walleye hunting in low-light conditions. If you're coming from Glen Lake proper, Little Glen is the smaller neighbor—quieter, less developed, and often overlooked by anglers who stick to the main lake.

The character of Little Glen is defined by its shallowness and vegetation. Weed growth is heavy from June through September, which concentrates fish but also demands different tackle and techniques than you'd use on deeper Leelanau lakes. The walleye bite here is strongest at dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall when the water cools. Pike fishing can be excellent in the weeds during the same low-light windows, and largemouth bass hold tight to the heaviest cover.

Key Takeaways

  • Little Glen Lake is a 160-acre shallow lake with heavy weed growth that concentrates walleye and pike in predictable locations.
  • Walleye bite best at dawn and dusk in spring and fall; summer fishing requires fishing deeper weed edges or early morning before the sun climbs.
  • Pike fishing in the weeds is productive year-round, but low-light periods and cooler water temperatures increase your odds.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits before you fish.
  • Public access is available at the boat launch; arrive early during peak season as the parking area fills quickly on weekends.

Walleye patterns on Little Glen

Walleye on Little Glen respond to the classic shallow-lake pattern: they hunt in the weeds and along weed edges during low light, then retreat to slightly deeper water or the densest cover once the sun rises. In spring (April through May), focus on the transition zones where weed beds meet open water, typically in 8 to 12 feet of water. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well here, and a slow presentation is essential—walleye in shallow water are easily spooked.

Summer walleye fishing (June through August) requires patience and timing. Fish the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During midday, walleye retreat into the thickest weed beds or move to the deepest holes the lake offers (around 25 feet). If you fish midday, target these deeper pockets with live bait rigs or crawler harnesses. Fall (September through October) brings the bite back to the shallows as water temperature drops, and you can fish throughout the day with good results.

Live minnows—shiners or chubs in the 3- to 4-inch range—consistently outperform artificials on Little Glen. A simple jig-and-minnow presentation or a live bait rig with a slip sinker will cover most situations. Work the weed edges slowly, pausing frequently to let the minnow do the work.

Pike fishing in the weeds

Northern pike in Little Glen are aggressive and abundant, especially in the weed beds that dominate the lake. Pike here are not large—most run 18 to 26 inches—but they are eager and provide consistent action. The best pike fishing happens in the same low-light windows as walleye: early morning, late evening, and overcast days. Unlike walleye, pike will chase and strike throughout the day if you're fishing the thickest cover.

Casting large soft plastics (5- to 7-inch swimbaits or paddle-tail shads) into the weed beds produces strikes. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits work well in open pockets within the weeds. If you prefer live bait, a 4- to 6-inch sucker or shiner cast near weed edges will draw pike quickly. Use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon to avoid bite-offs; pike teeth are sharp and will fray monofilament.

Summer weed growth can be thick enough to make casting difficult, so consider a weedless presentation: a soft plastic rigged on a weedless hook or a topwater lure that can be worked over the vegetation. Early season (April and May) and late season (September and October) offer the clearest water and easiest casting, but pike bite year-round in the weeds.

Seasonal timing and water conditions

Spring (April through May) is when Little Glen wakes up. Water temperature climbs from the 40s into the 50s and 60s, and both walleye and pike move shallow to feed. Weed growth is just beginning, so casting is easier and fish are more visible. This is an excellent time to learn the lake's structure and locate the deep holes and weed edges you'll target later in the year.

Summer (June through August) brings heavy weed growth and warm water. Fish early and late in the day, or focus on the deepest holes and the thickest weed beds where fish retreat from the heat. Midday fishing is slow unless you're willing to work deep water or extremely thick cover.

Fall (September through October) is arguably the best season on Little Glen. Water cools, weed growth begins to die back, and fish feed aggressively throughout the day. Walleye and pike are both active, and you can fish a wider range of depths and times without the midday lull that plagues summer.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The lake freezes, and ice fishing requires different gear and knowledge. Local bait shops in Leelanau can advise on current ice conditions and winter patterns if you're interested in pursuing this option.

Public access and facilities

Little Glen Lake has a public boat launch managed by Leelanau County. The launch is located on the south side of the lake and includes a small parking area. Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the lot fills quickly during peak season. There are no fuel docks, restaurants, or lodging directly on the lake, so plan accordingly.

The nearest services—gas, food, and lodging—are in nearby communities like Glen Arbor or Frankfort, both within 15 to 20 minutes of the lake. If you're staying in the area, you'll find vacation rentals and small inns throughout Leelanau County.

Regulations and licensing

A valid Michigan fishing license is required to fish Little Glen Lake. Licenses are available online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops throughout Leelanau County. Daily and annual licenses are both available.

Walleye and pike have specific bag limits and size restrictions that vary by year. Check the current Michigan fishing regulations before you fish—the rules change annually and are posted on the DNR website. Largemouth bass also have regulations; confirm the current limits for any species you plan to keep.

Gear and tackle recommendations

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided or monofilament line handles jigs and live bait effectively. A small tackle box with jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), soft plastics, and live minnows covers most situations. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for dawn and dusk fishing.

Pike fishing benefits from slightly heavier gear: a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a wire leader. Larger lures and live bait require more backbone to cast and set the hook. A net is useful for landing pike safely, especially if you're fishing alone.

Both species respond well to live bait, so a small aerator or bait bucket keeps minnows fresh throughout the day. Waders are optional but useful if you want to wade the shallows and cast into deeper weed edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Little Glen Lake better than Glen Lake for walleye?

Little Glen is shallower and weedier, which concentrates walleye in predictable spots but also makes them more sensitive to light and pressure. Glen Lake is larger and deeper, offering more water to explore but also more competition from other anglers. Little Glen is better if you prefer a smaller, quieter lake and don't mind fishing early and late in the day.

Can I fish Little Glen in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, typically by late December. Local bait shops and the Leelanau County parks office can advise on ice thickness and current conditions. Winter fishing requires different techniques and equipment than open-water fishing.

What's the best time of day to fish Little Glen?

Dawn (first hour after sunrise) and dusk (last hour before sunset) are most productive for both walleye and pike. Overcast days and early fall and spring offer the best all-day fishing. Summer midday fishing is slow unless you target deep water or the thickest weed beds.

Do I need a boat to fish Little Glen?

A boat makes fishing easier and lets you reach the best weed beds and deeper holes. However, the lake is small enough that shore fishing from the launch area or nearby banks can be productive, especially for pike in the shallows during low-light periods.

What size pike and walleye does Little Glen hold?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 22 inches. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, with some reaching 30 inches or slightly larger. Little Glen is not known for trophy fish, but it offers consistent action and a good population of keeper-size fish.