What Glen Lake Offers and When to Fish It

Glen Lake is two connected basins in Benzie County, about 20 miles south of Frankfort. The lake holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in roughly 2,000 acres split between the Upper and Lower lakes. The Upper basin is shallower and weedier; the Lower basin runs deeper with cleaner water and a steeper drop-off along the eastern shore.

Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through October), when they move into shallower structure. Summer walleye are present but deeper and slower to bite. Smallmouth are active May through September, with June and July producing the most consistent action. Pike are year-round residents but most catchable in spring and fall when they hunt in shallower water.

The lake sits in a glacial basin with clear water and a sandy bottom in many areas, which means you can see structure and weed lines from the boat. Wind can pick up quickly on the open water, so early morning trips are often more productive and safer than afternoon sessions.

Key Takeaways

  • Glen Lake has two basins — Upper and Lower — connected by a channel, with different depth profiles and structure that hold different fish at different times of year.
  • Walleye are most reliable in spring and fall; summer walleye require deeper presentations and slower retrieves.
  • Public boat launches are at the Benzie County Parks boat ramp on the north shore and at the Glen Lake Association ramp on the south shore, both with parking and trailer access.
  • Michigan fishing license and inland water stamp are required; no special permits are needed for Glen Lake.
  • The lake is shallow enough in places to wade-fish the weed edges, but deep structure on the Lower basin requires a boat to reach productive water.

Boat Access and Launch Locations

The Benzie County Parks boat ramp on the north shore is the primary public launch. It has a two-lane concrete ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, and a dock for loading gear. The ramp is maintained year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal. There is no launch fee.

The Glen Lake Association maintains a second ramp on the south shore, near the village of Glen Arbor. This ramp is smaller but less crowded on weekends. Both ramps provide access to both basins via the connecting channel, which is navigable year-round in normal water conditions.

If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is possible along the north and south shores where public land meets the water. The weed edges near the launches hold smallmouth and pike, especially in early summer. Wade-fishing the shallow flats on the Upper basin in spring can produce walleye on jigs and live minnows.

Walleye Tactics and Seasonal Patterns

Spring walleye (April and May) move into the shallower Upper basin and along the weed lines of both basins. Fish jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers in 6 to 12 feet of water, working the edges where weeds meet open sand. Early morning and dusk produce the most bites. A 1/4-ounce jig is usually sufficient; heavier jigs are needed only if wind is strong.

Summer walleye retreat to deeper structure — the drop-offs on the eastern shore of the Lower basin and the deeper holes between the two basins. Switch to live-bait rigs or crankbaits that reach 15 to 25 feet. Trolling along the break-line is more productive than casting in summer, because walleye are less aggressive in warm water and need a slow, steady presentation.

Fall (September and October) mirrors spring: walleye move back to shallower structure as water cools. Jigs and live minnows work again. The bite is often faster in fall than spring, and fish are larger on average because they have fed all summer.

Smallmouth Bass and Pike Opportunities

Smallmouth bass are abundant in Glen Lake and respond well to topwater lures and soft plastics in the weed beds. Fish the weed edges in 4 to 10 feet of water from May through September. Early morning and late evening produce the most active fish. A 4-inch soft plastic on a 1/8-ounce jig head is a reliable choice; topwater plugs work best when the water is calm.

Northern pike are present throughout the lake but concentrate in the weedier Upper basin and along the shallow flats. Spring and fall are best. Use larger lures — 4 to 6 inches — and expect aggressive strikes. Pike will follow a lure to the boat, so keep the rod tip up and be ready for a last-second hit. Live minnows (6 to 8 inches) work well if you prefer bait fishing.

Both species tolerate catch-and-release well if you handle them quickly and keep them in the water as much as possible. Glen Lake has no special slot limits for bass or pike; standard Michigan regulations apply.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

A valid Michigan fishing license and inland water stamp are required for anyone 17 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at most bait shops in Frankfort and Benzonia, and at the Benzie County Parks office. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are visiting for a short trip.

Walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Smallmouth bass have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum length. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 24-inch minimum length. These limits are current as of 2024 but can change; check the Michigan DNR website before your trip to confirm.

Glen Lake has no special restrictions beyond state-wide rules. Electric motors and gas motors are both allowed. No jet skis or personal watercraft are permitted on the lake.

Where to Stay and What to Bring

Glen Arbor, on the south shore, has motels, vacation rentals, and a small grocery. Frankfort, about 15 miles north, is larger and has more lodging options, restaurants, and tackle shops. Both towns are on Lake Michigan and offer other recreation if fishing is slow.

Bring a depth finder if you have one; the clear water and varied bottom make it easy to spot structure, but a sounder saves time and helps you locate the drop-offs where summer walleye hold. Sunscreen and a hat are essential — the open water reflects sun intensely. A net is useful for landing pike and larger bass, especially if you are fishing alone.

Bait shops in Frankfort and Glen Arbor stock live minnows, crawlers, and leeches. Tackle selection is limited, so bring your own jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits if you have preferences. Gas is available at marinas on both shores.

Seasonal Timing and Weather Patterns

Spring (April and May) is the most reliable season for walleye and pike. Water temperatures rise from the 40s to the low 60s, and fish move shallow to spawn. The weather is unpredictable — wind can shut down fishing for a day or two — but calm mornings are common.

Summer (June through August) is best for smallmouth bass and for sight-fishing in the shallows. Water temperatures reach the high 70s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August; plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon. The lake can be crowded on weekends.

Fall (September and October) offers excellent walleye fishing and fewer crowds. Water temperatures drop from the 70s to the 50s. Early fall (September) is warm and calm; late fall (October) can be windy and cold. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing equipment and knowledge of ice safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Glen Lake without a boat?

Yes. The north and south shores have public access points where you can wade or cast from shore. Weed edges near the boat launches hold smallmouth and pike. Spring walleye can be caught from shore on jigs and live minnows in shallow water, but a boat gives you access to deeper structure and more productive areas.

What is the difference between the Upper and Lower basins?

The Upper basin is shallower (average 20 feet) and weedier, holding more smallmouth and pike in shallow structure. The Lower basin is deeper (average 40 feet) with steeper drop-offs and cleaner water, where walleye hold in summer. Both basins are connected and fishable year-round.

Do I need a guide to fish Glen Lake?

No. The lake is small enough to navigate safely without a guide, and the structure is visible in clear water. If you are new to walleye fishing or want to learn the specific drop-offs and weed lines faster, a local guide can save time and increase your catch rate.

What size boat do I need?

A 16-foot boat is sufficient for Glen Lake. The lake is protected from large waves by surrounding land, and the deepest water is under 60 feet. Smaller boats (14 feet) work fine for summer smallmouth fishing in shallow water. A depth finder and GPS are helpful but not required.

Is Glen Lake stocked with fish?

Walleye are stocked periodically by the Michigan DNR to maintain the population. Smallmouth and pike are self-sustaining. Stocking schedules vary by year; check the Michigan DNR website for current information.