What's in Hamlin Lake??

[caribouhunter]

I will be camping at the Ludington State Campground the week of the 4th. I will be taking a small boat and would like to fish Hamlin Lake. Can anyone tell me what type of fish are in this lake? An approx. location to fish them would also be appreciated.

[Vicious Fishous]

we stayed there many years back and were able to park the boat right at our campsite, we got into some good slabs and bass in the bayous by the campground, we hit the main lake but kept going back to the thick stuff, used live bait as well. Good luck
Wishin' I was Fishin'
PETE

[puttputt]

bass
pike
gar
bluegill
dogfish
perch
more dogs


you'll find them everywhere.
-shallow "lost lake" area by boardwalk (lost lake is part of Hamlin)
-in and along the trench out from swimming beach to where the lake opens up
The lake is huge and you can find fish anywhere. Plenty of cover with underwater tree stumps.

Got little kids? Fish off the boardwalk on lost lake and on below the dam. Heck, fish there yourself. They'll want to tube the river too.

Have fun!

[waterfoul]

One of my favorite state parks. You can fish below the dam... there are bass and pike in that hole. There are abundant bass in the main lake. Also, if there is a decent west wind and Lake Michigan is kicking up a little bit... the waves stack up at the mouth of the river making for some great body surfing!! But I recommend that you wear a life jacket if you are going to do this... just safer especially for kids. We've done this many times and it's a blast!!

[Maydar1]

I know this lake well. Any and all species in this lake, even tiger muskie. In front of the dunes is great for smallies and walleye near the drop offs and move deeper depending on water temp. I was catching smallies in 25-30 foot of water in mid summer last year, but they still are probably close to shallows and dropoffs now. Upper hamlin is shallower and weedyer and home to more large mouths. Lower hamlin has many large and smallmouths. Pike are everywhere. It's also touted as one of the best panfish lakes in Michigan.

[bassinbowman]

I have taken a week long trip every year for 9 years now to fish Hamlin Lake. It's a great lake. The only fish failed to be mentioned is the fresh water drum. Them things can get big. I caught a 5 pounder last year on a sinko.

The dunes that Maydar1 mentioned is a great spot. I also like the North Bayou which is direcly across the lake from the state park.

Upper Hamlin has great largemouth bass. White spinnerbait works best for covering water quick to find them.

[WALLEYEvision]

I...Hamlin Lake. It's a great lake. The only fish failed to be mentioned is the fresh water drum. Them things can get big. I caught a 5 pounder last year on a sinko...
:yeahthat: LOL...I caught a 29" sheepshead back in 1979 on the lower lake while walleye fishing. Thought I had on a state record walleye! :lol: Figured it went 8 or 9 lbs. :D

Hey caribouhunter, I've been fishing the lake for over 30+ years, (my parents live on the lake) if you have a certain species in mind, shoot me a PM and I'll try to help you out.

[sparkville]

Been taking the family for a week (some years two) for the last seven years. Hamlin has been a great time for us every year. The fishing has been great for the boys and I and the wife and kids have a blast at the dunes during the afternoons. Tons of gills...its what got my boys hooked on fishing.Most days the young fellas would catch them faster than I could take them off. Well, now that they are older and can cast, we target the bass and do pretty well.Last year we picked up quite a few pike...hammer handles mostly but boated a 30".Every now and then we troll the flats in front of the dunes and pick out a few walleye. This year I have a boat that is more suited for fishing and will be able to get places we have not been before. WALLEYEvision, would you share some of your knowledge with me if I pm'd you?

[caribouhunter]

WOW Thanks for all the great information guys. We will be there the week of the 4th and will be able to keep the boat right behind our site. Caught some nice bass last year just fishing from shore. I am a big fan of top water fishing at night. What I would really like to get into is some walleye. You just can't beat a walleye shore lunch.

Thanks Again!!!

[liquidsoul3]

i have a place on hamlin lake that i go to about every weekend if i can. it is a great lake for just about all species including sturgeon (pulled one 3 yrs ago) but the most productive spot for walleyes (for me anyways) is along the drop off in front of the dunes. good luck on the 4th, ill be out there as well.

[Hipskindt]

I have been going to Hamlin since I was born. My Grandparents had a home and a rental off Grace ave on upper Hamlin. I caught my first big Pike up there back in the late 70s. My Grandfather was a huge Blue gill fisherman and we used to catch some nice stringers back in the day. I always did very well on Pike up in the weedy areas past victory park. Also some huge perch my personel best was 15 inches from this lake caught on a pike spinner back in 89.
Good luck to you. I am 3k miles away now but this lake still holds a special place in my heart. I hope one day to bring my young son to this lake and let him enjoy it like I did as a kid.

Tom