What Lake Esau offers anglers
Lake Esau sits in Presque Isle County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and holds a solid population of walleye and northern pike in a setting far quieter than the bigger lakes nearby. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and reaches depths of 60 feet in spots, which keeps the water cool enough for walleye year-round. You'll find it less crowded than Presque Isle itself, which makes it worth the short drive if you want room to work and fewer boats competing for the same structure.
The character of Lake Esau is rocky and weedy—the shoreline has plenty of granite outcrops and the basin holds scattered weed beds that hold fish in summer and fall. Walleye here respond well to live bait presentations in spring and early summer, and to crankbaits and soft plastics once the water warms. Pike are a genuine bonus; they grow fat in this lake and will hit anything from large shiners to spinnerbaits.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Esau holds walleye and northern pike in roughly 1,200 acres of rocky, weedy water that stays cool enough for walleye through the summer.
- Spring and early summer walleye fishing centers on live bait—shiners and crawlers—worked along the deeper structure on the lake's edges.
- Summer and fall fishing shifts to crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics around weed beds and rocky points where pike also hunt.
- The lake sees far less pressure than nearby Presque Isle, which means less crowding and more room to explore different areas in a single day.
- Access is via a public boat launch on the south end; the lake has no resorts or rental facilities, so plan to launch your own boat or hire a guide.
Spring walleye fishing on live bait
Lake Esau walleye move shallow in April and May as the water warms from the ice-out. The south and west shorelines warm first and hold the most active fish early in the season. Work live shiners or crawlers on a simple slip-sinker rig—a walking sinker, a barrel swivel, and a 2-foot leader to a size 2 or 4 hook—and cast parallel to the shoreline where the bottom drops from 8 to 15 feet.
The rocky points that jut into the lake are prime spots; walleye stage on the deeper side of these points and move up to feed in the shallows at dawn and dusk. Drift slowly along these breaks or hold position and cast repeatedly to the same area. Expect the bite to be strongest in the first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before dark. By late May, as the water climbs into the 60s, walleye retreat to deeper structure—move to the main basin and fish the edges of weed beds in 20 to 30 feet of water.
Summer and fall tactics with artificials
Once water temperature reaches the mid-60s, live bait still works but crankbaits and soft plastics become more efficient because you can cover more water and trigger aggressive strikes. Shallow-running crankbaits (6 to 10 feet deep) work the weed beds in the 15 to 25-foot zone; walleye and pike both hunt the edges where weeds meet open water. Cast toward the weeds and retrieve steadily, pausing occasionally to let the lure flutter.
Jigs tipped with soft plastics—4-inch shads or minnow bodies in natural colors—are deadly around the rocky structure and deeper weed edges. Use a 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jig depending on depth and current, and work it with a slow lift-and-drop motion. Pike in this lake often hit the same presentations as walleye, so don't be surprised when a 5-pounder crushes a walleye lure. Fall fishing (September through October) is often the most consistent because the water cools, walleye move shallower again, and the weed beds begin to break down, concentrating fish along the remaining structure.
Where to find the best structure
Lake Esau's most productive areas are the rocky points on the south and west shores, the main basin drop-off that runs along the north side, and the scattered weed beds in the central basin. A GPS unit or a detailed lake map is worth carrying because the bottom is irregular and the best spots are often small—a 50-yard stretch of rocky slope or a tight weed edge that holds a dozen fish.
The south end, near the public launch, has good shallow structure and is a logical place to start if you're new to the lake. The west shore holds deeper structure and fewer boats, so it's worth exploring if you want solitude. The north basin is deeper and colder, which makes it a summer refuge when the shallows warm up. Spend time with a depth finder mapping the bottom; the time invested early in the season pays off all year.
Access and launch information
Lake Esau has a public boat launch on the south end, accessible via County Road 405 north of the town of Presque Isle. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area—it's not fancy, but it's reliable and free. There are no resorts, rental cabins, or services on the lake itself, so plan to bring your own boat or arrange a guide in advance if you want to fish without launching.
The nearest towns with lodging and supplies are Presque Isle (about 10 miles south) and Marquette (about 40 miles south). Cell service can be spotty on the water, so carry a map and a compass or GPS unit. The lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on ice thickness and conditions; check with the Presque Isle area chamber of commerce or a local bait shop before planning a winter trip.
Seasons and what to expect
Spring (April–May) is the most predictable time to catch walleye on live bait, with consistent action in the shallows. The water is cold, the days are short, and the fishing window is narrow, but the fish are aggressive and the crowds are light. Summer (June–August) requires deeper presentations and more patience, but the weather is stable and the lake is beautiful. Pike fishing peaks in summer because the warm water energizes them.
Fall (September–October) is often overlooked but offers some of the year's best fishing as walleye move back to shallower structure and the water cools. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing equipment and local knowledge; the lake does freeze, but ice thickness varies year to year. Check conditions before committing to a winter trip.
Gear and tackle recommendations
For spring and early summer live-bait fishing, a 6-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8-pound monofilament is ideal—it's sensitive enough to feel bites and strong enough to handle pike. A small tackle box with slip-sinkers, barrel swivels, hooks (sizes 2 to 4), and a few dozen live shiners or crawlers is all you need. Bring a net; walleye in this lake average 16 to 20 inches, and pike can exceed 30 inches.
For crankbait and soft-plastic fishing, step up to a 6.5-foot medium-heavy rod with 10-pound braided line; braid cuts through weeds and gives you better feel in the 15 to 30-foot zone. A selection of shallow-running crankbaits (Rapala Shad Raps, Berkley Flats), 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jigs, and 4-inch soft plastics in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, smoke) covers most situations. A depth finder is not required but will cut your learning curve in half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide to fish Lake Esau?
No, but a guide can accelerate your learning if you're new to the lake. Local guides know the structure, the seasonal patterns, and the current conditions. Contact the Presque Isle chamber of commerce or a bait shop in town for referrals. If you prefer to explore on your own, bring a map and a depth finder and plan to spend your first trip learning the bottom.
What's the difference between Lake Esau and Presque Isle?
Presque Isle is larger (about 4,000 acres) and holds more fish, but it also draws more boats and anglers. Lake Esau is smaller, quieter, and often less crowded, which makes it a good choice if you want room to fish without constant company. Both hold walleye and pike; Presque Isle has a reputation for larger pike, while Esau is more consistent for walleye numbers.
Can I fish Lake Esau in winter?
Yes, but only if the ice is thick enough—typically 4 inches or more for walking safely. Winter fishing requires ice augers, tip-ups, and knowledge of where fish congregate under the ice. Check ice conditions with local bait shops or the DNR before planning a winter trip; conditions vary year to year.
What size walleye and pike should I expect?
Walleye average 16 to 20 inches, with some fish reaching 24 inches or better. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, and fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. The lake is not known for trophy fish, but it produces solid numbers of keeper-size fish year-round.
Is there a fish cleaning station at the launch?
No, there are no facilities at the launch beyond the ramp and parking. Bring a cooler with ice and plan to clean your fish at your lodging or take them home. Some bait shops in Presque Isle offer cleaning services if you ask.