Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Ottawa National Forest offers outstanding opportunities for hunting and fishing. These activities are regulated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE). The Michigan Fishing Guide is available wherever fishing licenses are sold.
When to Fish:
In the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan trout season runs from the last Saturday in April to September 30. Later seasons are set for bass, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge. See the MDNR Fishing Guide for exact dates.
Generally, spring (May-June) is the best time for lake fishing on the Ottawa; summer (July-August) is somewhat slower, with fall (September-October) somewhere in between.
Stream fishing for lake-run salmon and steelhead usually picks up around April 1 in streams with an extended trout-salmon season, such as the East Branch of the Ontonagon River North of M-28, or those with no closed season, such as the Black River. The best fishing on these streams starts around mid-September and lasts until the snow flies.
Stream fishing for resident trout is generally best near the end of the legal season, especially for brook trout, which start upstream migration at this time.
How to Fish:
Walleye and crappie tend to bite under low light conditions (early morning, late evening or on overcast days). Fish for bass, crappie, pike, and panfish near logs, brush, or in weedy areas.
In bright sunlight, and after storms or cold snaps, most fish tend to go deeper and are harder to get to bite. Use live bait, and fish deeper and slower under these conditions.
Additional information on fishing on the Ottawa National Forest can be obtained in our Recreational Opportunity Guide.
Ice Fishing
The Ottawa National Forest has over 500 named lakes for anglers visiting the Forest to ice fish. Ice fishing on lakes within the Ottawa National Forest is permitted, except on Sylvania Wilderness special provision lakes. However, very few roads which lead to lakes on the Forest are plowed during the winter. Please be sure you are familiar with all rules and regulations related to fees, seasons, species, and licensing by obtaining a Michigan Fishing Guide.
If you are using a snowmobile, use must be in accordance with the motor vehicle rules of the Forest. Please take the proper safety precautions and ensure you have adequate equipment.
Hunting
Hunting is a major recreational activity on the Ottawa National Forest.
Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands with appropriate state hunting licenses. Seasons and bag limits are determined by the Michigan DNR, please visit their website for more information.
For Hunter Walking Trail maps and Grouse/Aspen maps visit the Maps and Guides page.
General Information
- No discharging a firearm in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation area, building or occupied area.
- No discharging a firearm across or on a forest development road, body of water contiguous to a road or where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage.
- You must have a valid license. Michigan hunting licenses are available online through the Michigan DNR.
- Hunting hours, per the DNR, are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- Hunters must wear blaze orange.
Specific Information
- Raised Platforms and Stands:
- Allowed for archery hunting.
- Must be portable and temporary, no permanent structures are allowed.
- Owner's name and address must be displayed on the platform or stand.
- Ground Blinds
- Fasteners for portable ground blinds cannot penetrate the bark of a tree and must be removed daily with the blind.
- The owners name and address must be displayed on the blind.
- Blinds can be made of dead, natural materials and/or can have netting, cloth or plastic added to them - the material cannot be permanently attached to the blind and removed each day.
- Natural materials must be scattered at the close of the season or when the blind is abandoned.
- According to State Law; Portable/Non-Permanent Constructed Blinds can be placed Sept 1st and must be removed at the end of the annual deer season or will be considered abandoned.
- Constructed blinds must be removed at the end of the season.
- Trapping
- Allowed with appropriate permits and licenses available through the Michigan DNR.
- Season and bag limits are determined by the Michigan DNR
- For more information visit the Michigan DNR website listed above.
- Camping
- Visit Camping & Cabins for information on camping.
- ORV and Motorized Vehicle Use for Hunting
- Operating an ORV or Motor vehicle off open system roads and/or trails is unauthorized, including for game retrieval.
- For information on operating an OHV or motorized vehicle on the Ottawa visit the Maps and Guides page.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target practice with a rifle, handgun or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations.
- A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed tergets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
- All trash must be packed out, including shell casings and targets.
- Glass targets are prohibited.
- Target shooting with a rifle, handgun or shotgun 5 days prior to deer rifle season is prohibited.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Bass Lake
Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Bob Lake Campground
Bobcat Lake Campground
Brule Lake
Burned Dam Campground
Courtney Lake Campground
Golden Lake Campground
Hagerman Lake
Henry Lake Campground