What Beulah Bay Offers
Beulah Bay sits on the northern shore of Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County, Michigan, roughly 40 miles west of Manistique. It's a shallow, weedy bay that produces walleye and northern pike consistently through spring and fall, with summer panfish action that keeps families coming back. The bay rarely draws the crowds you'll find on the main lake, which means you can work structure without jockeying for position—and that matters when you're hunting walleye in water that averages 15 to 25 feet deep.
The character of Beulah Bay is defined by its weed beds and sand flats. Cabbage weeds and coontail grow thick in the shallower sections, creating natural highways for pike and walleye moving between deep water and the shoreline. The bay's bottom transitions from sand near shore to silt and muck further out, which holds baitfish and keeps the predators fed. Spring and fall are the prime seasons here—walleye bite hard in May and again in September through October, when the water cools and fish move into predictable zones.
Key Takeaways
- Beulah Bay produces walleye and northern pike year-round, with peak action in spring (May) and fall (September–October).
- The bay's shallow weed beds and sand flats hold baitfish and create structure that walleye and pike use to hunt.
- Summer panfish—bluegill and crappie—bite consistently in the weedy shallows, making it a solid family destination.
- Public boat access is available at the Beulah Bay public launch, located on the bay's west side near the village of Beulah.
- A Michigan fishing license is required; walleye and pike have separate daily bag limits and size restrictions that vary by season.
Spring Walleye Fishing (May)
May is when Beulah Bay walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before the summer doldrums set in. Fish the sand flats and weed edges in 8 to 15 feet of water during the first two weeks of the month. Jigs tipped with live shiners or crawlers work best—a quarter-ounce to half-ounce jig in white, chartreuse, or natural colors will reach the bottom without snagging constantly in the weeds. Work the edges of the cabbage beds slowly; walleye will chase a jig that's moving at a crawl, but they'll ignore one that's moving too fast.
Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent bites, though overcast days can keep walleye active all day. If you're fishing live bait under a slip bobber, set your depth to put the bait 2 to 3 feet above the weed tops. The bay's shallow profile means you won't need to motor far from the launch to find productive water—most of the best structure is within a mile of the public ramp.
Fall Walleye and Pike Fishing (September–October)
Fall brings a second wave of aggressive walleye and pike to Beulah Bay as water temperatures drop into the 50s. Walleye move back to the deeper sand flats and weed edges, and pike follow baitfish into the same zones. Casting crankbaits and swimbaits along weed lines produces pike consistently; a 4- to 5-inch swimbait in natural colors will draw strikes from fish in 12 to 20 feet of water. For walleye, stick with jigs and live bait, but fish slightly deeper than you would in spring—the thermocline pushes fish down as the lake cools.
October is often the best month of the year here. Walleye bite through the day, pike are aggressive, and the crowds have thinned. The water is clear, which means you can see structure on your electronics and position yourself precisely. Bring a good depth finder; in Beulah Bay, the difference between a productive spot and a dead zone can be 50 feet.
Summer Panfish and Pike
Summer walleye fishing in Beulah Bay is slow—the shallow bay warms quickly, and walleye retreat to the deepest holes and the main lake. But bluegill and crappie thrive in the weed beds, and pike remain active in the deeper channels. Panfish bite best early and late in the day; fish the weed edges in 6 to 12 feet of water with small jigs, poppers, or live crickets. A 1/32-ounce jig under a bobber will catch bluegill all morning if you're patient.
Pike fishing in summer can be excellent if you target the deeper channels and the transitions between the bay and the main lake. Throw large topwater plugs and swimbaits in the early morning; pike will chase them aggressively in the low light. By mid-morning, move to deeper water and fish swimbaits on a slow retrieve.
Public Access and Facilities
The Beulah Bay public boat launch is located on the bay's west side, near the village of Beulah. The ramp is maintained by Schoolcraft County and offers parking for trailers and vehicles. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in good condition; it can handle most recreational boats, though the bay itself is shallow enough that you should avoid deep-draft vessels. There are no fuel docks or bait shops at the launch, so plan ahead and bring what you need.
The nearest town with services is Manistique, about 40 minutes south. You'll find gas, groceries, and restaurants there, but no dedicated tackle shops. Stock up on jigs, live bait, and terminal tackle before you arrive, or order online and pick it up at a regional supplier. Cell service can be spotty on the bay itself, so download offline maps and know your route before you leave the ramp.
Regulations and Licensing
Michigan requires a fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait shops and sporting goods stores. Walleye in Beulah Bay have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 24-inch minimum length. These limits can change, so check the current Michigan fishing guide before you fish.
The bay is open year-round, but winter access depends on ice conditions. Spring and fall are the safest and most productive seasons. Summer fishing is possible but slower for walleye. Always verify current regulations with the Michigan DNR before you plan your trip.
What to Bring and How to Fish It
A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line is ideal for Beulah Bay. Bring a selection of jigs in quarter-ounce to half-ounce weights, live shiners and crawlers, crankbaits, and swimbaits. A depth finder is essential—the bay's shallow profile and weed beds mean you'll spend a lot of time searching for the right depth and structure. Polarized sunglasses help you spot weed lines and shallow structure.
Fish the weed edges and sand flats methodically. Don't rush from spot to spot; walleye and pike in shallow bays respond to patience and precision. Make multiple casts to the same area, vary your retrieve speed, and pay attention to what depth and structure produce bites. Beulah Bay rewards anglers who slow down and read the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Beulah Bay?
May and September through October are the most productive months. Spring walleye bite aggressively as they move shallow to spawn, and fall brings cooler water that keeps both walleye and pike active all day. Summer is slower for walleye but good for panfish and pike in deeper channels.
Do I need a boat to fish Beulah Bay?
A boat is the best way to reach productive structure, but shore fishing is possible along the bay's western and northern shorelines. Most of the best walleye and pike habitat is in deeper water, so a boat gives you access to more fish and more consistent action.
Can I keep pike and walleye I catch in Beulah Bay?
Yes, within the daily bag limits set by Michigan. Walleye have a five-fish daily limit with a 15-inch minimum; pike have a five-fish daily limit with a 24-inch minimum. Check the current Michigan fishing guide to confirm these limits haven't changed.
What should I do if I'm not catching fish?
Move to different depths and structure. Use your depth finder to locate weed beds and sand flats, and fish the edges where predators hunt. If jigs aren't working, try crankbaits or swimbaits. Change your bait and retrieve speed frequently—walleye and pike in shallow bays can be picky, and persistence usually pays off.
Is there a tackle shop near Beulah Bay?
No tackle shops are located directly at the bay. Manistique, 40 minutes south, has sporting goods stores and bait shops. Order what you need online before you arrive, or plan a supply run to Manistique the day before you fish.