Mullett Lake, MI

About Mullett Lake

Mullett Lake is one of northern Michigan's premier inland fishing destinations, sprawling across roughly 17,000 acres in Cheboygan County. It ranks among the largest lakes entirely within the state and forms a key link in the historic Inland Waterway, a chain of lakes and rivers connecting Crooked Lake to Lake Huron via the Cheboygan River. With depths reaching well over 140 feet in its central basin, Mullett offers the kind of cold, clear, deep water that supports an exceptionally diverse and high-quality fishery.

Anglers know Mullett Lake for its big-water character and its mix of species more often associated with the Great Lakes than a typical inland lake. It produces quality walleye, trophy-class smallmouth bass, hard-fighting muskellunge, jumbo yellow perch, northern pike, and even cold-water species like lake trout and the occasional sturgeon. The combination of expansive rocky structure, deep basins, weed flats, and current from the connected river system makes it a year-round target for serious anglers willing to learn its moods.

Fish Species

Mullett Lake holds a broad mix of warm-water, cool-water, and cold-water gamefish, which is a big part of its appeal.

• Smallmouth bass — arguably the lake's signature gamefish. Mullett's rock and gravel structure grows strong, healthy smallmouth, and the lake has a well-earned reputation for numbers and size.
• Walleye — a popular target, relating to drop-offs, gravel bars, and the connecting river mouths. Low-light periods are prime.
• Muskellunge — Mullett and the broader Inland Waterway are known muskie water, drawing anglers chasing big fish along weed edges and points.
• Northern pike — abundant in weedy bays and along cabbage edges, providing reliable action.
• Yellow perch — a staple panfish, sometimes reaching jumbo size, and a major draw for both summer and ice anglers.
• Lake trout — present in the deep, cold central basin, offering a true cold-water option uncommon on inland lakes.
• Lake sturgeon — a protected, prehistoric resident of the Inland Waterway; encounters are special and tightly regulated.
• Rock bass, bluegill, and sunfish also populate the shallows and provide easy action for kids and casual anglers.

Best Seasons & Times

Spring: As the ice goes out and water warms, smallmouth bass and pike move shallow into bays and near the river inlets. Walleye relate to gravel and current early in the season. Perch school up and can be excellent. Mornings and evenings are most productive as fish use the shallows in low light.

Summer: Fish spread out and use the lake's deeper structure. Smallmouth slide to rocky points, humps, and drop-offs in the 10-25 foot range. Walleye go deeper and feed best at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Muskie work weed edges and points, while lake trout hold in the cold deep basin. Night fishing for walleye and early/late windows produce best in the heat of midsummer.

Fall: Cooling water triggers some of the year's best fishing. Smallmouth feed aggressively on rocky structure, muskie hunt for big meals before winter, and pike grow active. This is a trophy season — bigger baits and patience pay off.

Winter: Mullett is a serious ice-fishing destination when safe ice forms. Jumbo perch, walleye, pike (often via tip-ups), and panfish draw anglers onto the hard water. Always confirm ice conditions locally before heading out, as a big, deep lake like Mullett forms ice unevenly.

Techniques & Baits

Smallmouth bass: Work rocky points, gravel bars, and drop-offs with tubes, drop-shot rigs, Ned rigs, jerkbaits, and small swimbaits. In spring, soft plastics and suspending jerkbaits near shallow rock shine; in summer, drop-shotting deeper structure is deadly. Live crayfish and leeches also excel.

Walleye: Troll crawler harnesses and crankbaits along break lines, or jig with live minnows and leeches on gravel and drop-offs. Focus on low-light and after-dark periods. Casting stickbaits near current and river mouths can be excellent in spring and fall.

Muskie: Cast or troll large bucktails, gliders, rubber baits, and big crankbaits along weed edges, points, and inside turns. Be ready with a figure-eight boatside and proper heavy tackle and release tools.

Northern pike: Spinnerbaits, large spoons, and live suckers under floats work weed edges and bay flats. Pike readily hit muskie and bass presentations too.

Perch and panfish: Small jigs tipped with minnows, wax worms, or perch eyes over weed flats and basin edges produce. In winter, tiny jigging spoons and minnows fished near bottom are the staple. A quality electronics setup helps locate roaming perch schools on this big lake.

Access & Launches

As a large, popular lake on the Inland Waterway, Mullett Lake offers public access for both trailered boats and shore anglers. Public boat launches are available around the lake, and surrounding communities such as Indian River (at the south end near the river connection), Topinabee along the western shore, and the Mullett Lake village area near the north end provide convenient entry points. Because Mullett is part of the Inland Waterway, boaters can also travel by water between connected lakes and rivers.

There are marinas, bait shops, and lodging options in the nearby towns, which makes trip planning straightforward. Shore and pier fishing opportunities exist near river mouths and public sites, though a boat greatly expands your access to the lake's deep structure. Because Mullett is big, deep, and can build significant waves quickly, use a seaworthy boat and watch the weather. Always confirm current ramp availability and conditions locally before launching.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid State of Michigan fishing license is required for everyone of licensing age fishing Mullett Lake, available as annual, 24-hour, or 72-hour options. Michigan fishing regulations include species-specific seasons, size and slot limits, and daily bag limits that change periodically and vary by species, so review the current Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before your trip.

Pay special attention to muskellunge, walleye, and bass rules, which carry their own minimum sizes and possession limits, and note that lake sturgeon are protected with very strict, tightly controlled regulations on the Inland Waterway. As a Great Lakes connecting water, Mullett may have specific provisions, so when in doubt, check the latest official Michigan DNR rules or ask a local bait shop. Practicing selective harvest and careful catch-and-release, especially on trophy smallmouth and muskie, helps keep this fishery world-class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mullett Lake best known for fishing?
Mullett Lake is best known for quality smallmouth bass and muskellunge, along with walleye, northern pike, and jumbo yellow perch. Its deep, cold basin also supports lake trout, making it one of northern Michigan's most diverse inland fisheries. Its location on the Inland Waterway adds to its reputation.

When is the best time to fish Mullett Lake?
Spring and fall are standout seasons. Spring brings smallmouth, pike, and perch shallow, while fall produces aggressive feeding and trophy potential for smallmouth and muskie. Summer fishing is strong on deeper structure, especially at dawn, dusk, and after dark. Winter ice fishing for perch, walleye, and pike is excellent when safe ice forms.

Can you ice fish on Mullett Lake?
Yes, Mullett Lake is a popular ice-fishing destination for jumbo perch, walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Because it is large and deep, ice forms unevenly and can be unpredictable, so always confirm current ice conditions with local bait shops or experienced anglers before going out, and never assume safe ice across the whole lake.

Do I need a license to fish Mullett Lake?
Yes. Everyone of licensing age needs a valid Michigan fishing license, available in annual, 24-hour, or 72-hour formats. Size limits, slot limits, bag limits, and seasons vary by species and change over time, and sturgeon are strictly protected, so always check the current Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before your trip.