May offers an unparalleled lake trout fishing experience at Michipicoten Bay. Anglers can expect to reel in fish after fish throughout the day, making it a dream destination for any serious lake trout enthusiast. This untapped fishery boasts some of Lake Superior's finest lake trout fishing, yet surprisingly, it remains largely undiscovered. You might expect such incredible fishing to attract crowds, but that's far from the truth.
My wife and I explored this phenomenal fishing at the end of May 2026. We were met with calm, glass-like waters, a pleasant overcast sky, and hardly another boat in sight – truly a perfect day for fishing. We launched our boat where the Michipicoten River and Magpie River converge, powerful flow that empties into Lake Superior.
We headed out toward Lake Superior which was about a 5 min boat ride passing a power dam on the Magpie River it was a very nice boat ride water is deep enough for large boats to navigate, as we passed the power dam, we could see Lake Superior as the river open up. The transition from the calm, tree-lined river to the vast, open expanse of Lake Superior was breathtaking, offering stunning panoramic views that truly captured the wild beauty of the Canadian landscape.
Once on the lake, we prepared our rods. One rod was rigged with a 4 3/4-inch Nova Spark Gold/Green Magnum Spoon. On the other, we used the Nebula Flash Blue/Orange Holographic Crank Bait from Pulsar Lures. We opted against downriggers, instead employing a 1-ounce lead bottom bouncer, typically used for walleye fishing. Our body baits were trailed approximately 5 feet behind this weight. This setup is ideal for this particular spot due to an underwater rock reef that extends down the middle of the river mouth, straight out into the lake. This reef divides the river mouth into sections where cannonballs frequently snag and require cutting the cable free. In contrast, our chosen setup simply bounces over the reef, rarely getting snagged.
Rods were ready to go, we drop our lines just as we got on the lake right were the current disappeared into the lake, the plan was to troll parallel to the shoreline following this current line from where the 2 rivers dump into the lake in around 20 to 30ft of water bouncing our baits along the bottom. It didn't take long until we were on the first trout, within mins of starting to troll the first rod went off bending the rod down hard I grabbed it and reeled in a nice healthy 4-pound lake trout, great size for an eating fish and fought hard for a lake trout I was surprised. I reset the rod, let out just enough line until could feel the weight contact the bottom and placed the rod back in the rod holder. After just a few minutes the other rod went off again a solid hit, another good-sized fish this lake trout was about 5-pound. We continued to catch fish after fish throughout the morning. The sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape added another layer of enjoyment to our successful fishing trip and the reflections of the sky on the calm lake surface created a truly unforgettable backdrop to our angling adventure.
Planning a trip here is what you need to know
Travel to Wawa, Ontario
From Wawa, travel south on Highway 101 to Highway 17. Continue south on Highway 17 towards the charming Michipicoten River village. You'll easily spot signs on both sides of the turn-off from Highway 17. Simply follow the Buck's Marina signs to reach the boat ramp. To access Lake Superior, head downriver to the confluence of the two rivers, then proceed further downriver until you reach the expansive lake.
Wawa offers comfortable year-round accommodations, including a variety of motels and restaurants to suit your needs.
Docking services are available at the Marina for a fee, payable directly to Wawa Township.
Fishing conditions in this area can fluctuate significantly from year to year. Be prepared for potential challenges such as dense fog, which can reduce visibility to mere boat lengths, and strong winds capable of generating large waves that could easily capsize a small 14-foot boat. Cold mornings and spring runoff can also make this section of the river particularly demanding. The current can be swift, carrying logs, branches, and even entire trees. The water may become extremely muddy, completely obscuring the river bottom. In some years, conditions are so hazardous that even locals delay venturing out until the current subsides and water levels drop. For instance, this year, water levels did not recede until almost the third week of May. For the most current information regarding spring lake trout fishing (April to the end of May), please contact Pulsar Lures via email.
A unique highlight of fishing here is Driftwood Beach, an extensive stretch of sand perfect for a leisurely lunch or supper break. It's accessible from both the river and lake sides. However, extreme caution is advised: if approaching from the river side, ensure your boat is securely tied, as the flow can change rapidly and without warning due to the two power dams on this river system. When landing on the lake side, be mindful that waves can quickly swamp the back of your boat, potentially causing it to sink. For those who decide to visit, you will be rewarded with a truly secluded experience; this boat-accessible beach very rarely has anyone else, meaning you'll likely have miles of pristine shoreline all to yourself.