What You'll Find at Black Lake Boardwalk

Black Lake Boardwalk is a public fishing access point on Black Lake in Presque Isle County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The boardwalk provides a maintained walkway out over the water, making it one of the easier places to fish if you don't have a boat or prefer to stay on solid ground. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish, with walleye being the primary target for most anglers who fish from the boardwalk.

The boardwalk itself is short—roughly 100 feet—and sits in shallow water where you can cast toward deeper structure. Because it's a public access point with minimal facilities, it draws a steady crowd during the open season, especially on weekends. The setting is quiet and wooded, typical of the UP's inland lakes, and the boardwalk is accessible year-round for those willing to fish in winter conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Lake Boardwalk is a public fishing access point in Presque Isle County that requires only a valid Michigan fishing license—no boat needed.
  • Walleye fishing is best in spring and fall, with panfish and northern pike available throughout the open season.
  • The boardwalk has no parking lot, restrooms, or amenities; plan to bring everything you need and arrive early on weekends.
  • Winter fishing is possible but requires ice safety knowledge and equipment; the boardwalk itself remains accessible but the lake surface may be unsafe.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Walleye season on Black Lake runs year-round, but the best fishing happens in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October). During these periods, walleye move into shallower water where the boardwalk reaches them. Early morning and evening are most productive, and live bait—shiners or crawlers—outperforms lures for most anglers fishing from the boardwalk.

Panfish (bluegill, crappie, and perch) bite throughout the open season and are a reliable option if walleye are slow. Summer can be productive for panfish in the early morning before the sun climbs high. Northern pike are present but less predictable from the boardwalk; they tend to stay in deeper water or heavy vegetation that the boardwalk doesn't reach. Winter ice fishing is possible once the lake freezes solid, but you'll need to drill through ice and move away from the boardwalk to find productive holes.

Access, Parking, and What to Bring

Black Lake Boardwalk has no developed parking area or boat launch. Access is from a small pull-off on the road near the boardwalk entrance. Parking is limited to a handful of vehicles, and there is no may provide of a spot on busy days. The boardwalk itself is free to use with a valid Michigan fishing license.

There are no restrooms, drinking water, or shelter at the site. Bring everything you'll need: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially in summer), and a headlamp if you plan to fish early morning or evening. A small tackle box, rod, and reel are all you need—the shallow water and short casting distance mean you don't require heavy equipment. If you plan to fish in winter, bring a portable heater, ice auger, and ice fishing rod; the boardwalk itself won't provide shelter from wind or cold.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish at Black Lake Boardwalk. Licenses are sold online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops in Presque Isle County. A one-day license is available if you're visiting for a short trip; a full-season license is cheaper if you plan to fish multiple times.

Walleye and northern pike have specific size and bag limits that change year to year. Check the current Michigan fishing regulations before you go—the DNR publishes an annual guide that lists limits by species and water body. Black Lake may have special regulations that differ from statewide rules, so confirm the details for this specific lake. Panfish typically have generous limits, but verify current rules to be certain.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Black Lake Boardwalk is located in Presque Isle County, roughly 20 miles south of Marquette. From Marquette, take US-41 south and follow local roads into the Presque Isle area. The boardwalk is not on a major highway, so use GPS or a detailed map to find the exact access point. The drive from Marquette takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on which route you take.

The nearest town with services is Ishpeming, about 15 miles away, where you can find gas, food, and bait shops. If you're staying overnight, Marquette has hotels and campgrounds. The UP has many other fishing waters nearby—Presque Isle River, Peshekee River, and several other inland lakes—so you can combine a trip to Black Lake with fishing elsewhere in the region.

Why the Boardwalk Matters for Shore Fishing

The boardwalk is valuable because it puts you in water deep enough to reach fish without requiring a boat. Most shore fishing on inland lakes means casting from a beach or bank into shallow water; the boardwalk extends your reach and puts you closer to the drop-off where walleye and pike hold. This makes it one of the few places in the area where a shore angler has a realistic chance at walleye.

The trade-off is that the boardwalk is short and narrow, so you're fishing the same water as everyone else who uses it. On a busy weekend, you may have to wait for a spot or fish shoulder-to-shoulder with other anglers. Arriving early in the morning or fishing on weekdays gives you more space and often better fishing because the fish are less pressured.

Winter Fishing Considerations

Black Lake freezes solid most winters, and ice fishing is possible once the ice is thick enough—typically by late December or early January. The boardwalk itself remains above the ice, but you'll need to drill holes in the ice away from the boardwalk to fish. Walleye and panfish both bite through the ice, and many anglers consider winter one of the best times to fish Black Lake because there's less pressure than in summer.

Ice safety is critical. Never assume the ice is safe just because it looks solid. Check with local bait shops or the DNR for current ice thickness reports before you go. Bring a spud bar to test ice as you walk, wear a life jacket or flotation device, and never fish alone. If you're new to ice fishing, consider going with someone who knows the lake and has experience on the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Black Lake Boardwalk?

No. The boardwalk is designed for shore fishing and reaches into water deep enough to catch walleye and pike. You need only a fishing license, a rod, and bait or lures. The boardwalk is the main reason this location works for anglers without boats.

What's the best time of day to fish the boardwalk?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to one hour after) are most productive. Walleye are most active during low-light periods. Midday fishing is slower but panfish may still bite if you use small lures or live bait.

Can I fish the boardwalk in winter?

The boardwalk itself is accessible year-round, but winter fishing requires drilling holes in the ice away from the boardwalk. Ice must be thick enough to support your weight—typically at least 4 inches. Check local ice reports and never assume ice is safe without verification.

What should I use for bait at Black Lake?

Live shiners and nightcrawlers work best for walleye. Panfish respond to small minnows, waxworms, or maggots. If you prefer lures, small jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics in natural colors (white, chartreuse, black) are effective. Bring multiple options because fish preferences change with season and water conditions.

Is there anywhere to buy bait near the boardwalk?

The nearest bait shops are in Ishpeming and Marquette, 15 to 20 miles away. There are no shops at or near the boardwalk itself, so plan ahead and bring bait with you or stop in town before you arrive. Many shops open early to serve anglers heading out at dawn.