Michigan DNR clearing the way for U.P. winter fishing access in 10 counties

Special note: Ice conditions are highly variable on water bodies across the state. Anyone deciding to go out onto the ice is urged to use great caution. Review a list of ice-safety tips before heading out.

Lansing — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is continuing a successful program begun in 2021 to keep boating access sites plowed at more than two dozen popular Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations.

Two Ishpeming locations – Lake Angeline and Deer Lake – are among the latest to join the list of locations being plowed this winter.

Various local partners have agreed to assist the DNR with the program to ensure access to ice fishing opportunities in the U.P. are available consistently during snow conditions.

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The nearly 30 locations – situated across 10 of the U.P.’s 15 counties – are DNR boating access sites managed for recreational boating.

The DNR enters into agreements with partners to plow the access sites for the winter.

An evaluation takes place each spring and will assess several things, including how often the plowed sites are used and whether damage occurs to the access ramps.

Boating access sites being plowed this winter include:

• Baraga County: Vermilac Lake, Silver River.

• Chippewa County: Munuscong Lake.

• Delta County: Little Bay de Noc (Kipling).

• Dickinson County: Lake Louise.

• Iron County: Indian Lake, Swan Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Emily, Lake Ellen.

• Keweenaw County: Gratiot Lake, Lake Medora, Lake Bailey.

• Luce County: Little Lake Harbor, Kak’s Lake, Big Manistique Lake.

• Mackinac County: South Manistique Lake, North Manistique Lake, Milakokia Lake and Millecoquins Lake.

• Marquette County: Lake Michigamme, Greenwood Reservoir, Johnson Lake, Big Shag Lake, Deer Lake, Lake Angeline, East Bass Lake.

• Schoolcraft County: McDonald Lake.

For more information on places to fish in Michigan, visit the DNR’s webpage at www.Michigan.gov/Fishing.