LUIDNGTON FISHING TOURNAMENTS – Photo by Sticker Mule on Unsplash.com

Ludington Fishing
Tournaments & Events

Whether it’s fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan, trout in the Pere Marquette River, or walleye in Hamlin Lake, Ludington has the best variety of fishing. And local tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket. No matter what time of year you want to cast a line, the Ludington area provides great fishing opportunities and plenty of fishing tournaments!

Tournaments & Fishing Events on This Page

Please support Visit Ludington’s LOCAL Sponsors:

Old Hamlin Restaurant
Pere Marquette Expeditions

2024

Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend - Summer

June 8th-9th, 2024

The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year. According to the Michigan Fisheries Department (517) 373-1280, the February date is always the weekend before President’s Day, and the June date is the weekend following the first full week of June.

The Winter Free Fishing Weekend has occurred since 1994 as a way to raise awareness of Michigan’s vast aquatic resources and fishing opportunities. There are over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and uncounted miles of rivers and streams.

Ludington Offshore Fishing Tournament

July 15th-21st, 2024

The Ludington Offshore Fishing Classic on Lake Michigan is the biggest tournament of the summer, with cash and prizes given away. The event is held annually in July and includes a Ladies Pro/Am, Youth Classic, a Big Fish Contest, and the Classic Big Boys Contest. In the afternoon as the boats make their way in, hundreds head to Ludington’s Waterfront Park to watch the weigh-in. The size of some of the fish are quite incredible.

Greiner Motel
Lakeshore Menu Guide Download

2025

Monster Pike Ice Fishing Tournament on Pere Marquette Lake

January 2025

Sponsored by Pere Marquette Expeditions

All DNR rules apply and any Michigan lake may be fished. Entry fee is $10 and registration must be completed before the 7am start time. Registration opens at 5:30am. There will be a 100% payout for the longest pike. This tournament is only for pike- no other fish will be included. Participants must be in line for measuring at Suttons Landing by 5pm. 

Gettin' Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament

February 2025

Sponsored by Pere Marquette Expeditions

The Gettin’ Jiggy Tournament coincides with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend. Entry fee is $10 and there is a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. At the end of the tournament, free hot dogs will be served at Sutton’s Landing down at the river and is included in the entry fee.

Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend - Winter

February 2025

The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year. According to the Michigan Fisheries Department (517) 373-1280, the February date is always the weekend before President’s Day, and the June date is the weekend following the first full week of June.

The Winter Free Fishing Weekend has occurred since 1994 as a way to raise awareness of Michigan’s vast aquatic resources and fishing opportunities. There are over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and uncounted miles of rivers and streams.

Finny Slam Fishing Tournament

March 2025

Sponsored by Pere Marquette Expeditions

Named for local fisherman, Ray Finholm, who passed away in a boating accident. All DNR rules apply and any Michigan lake may be fished. Prize includes a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Pike, Steelhead, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. The $10 entry fee includes sloppy joes down by the river at Sutton’s Landing following the tournament.

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More Ludington Area Fishing Information

Boating & Fishing

The Ludington area is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas rent a variety of boats and offer modern facilities.

Fishing on Hamlin Lake

Fishing on Hamlin Lake

If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.

Fish on for Freedom

“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.

Fishing on Hamlin Lake

Hamlin Lake Fishing Map

This Hamlin Lake Fishing Map details what kind of fish you might catch in various sections of the lake. Helpful for all anglers.

Public Boat Launches

There are many places to launch a boat for fishing or recreation in the Ludington area. Most are free of charge, with plenty of parking.

Ludington Salmon Fishing

Ludington’s natural resources, charter captains, and outfitters provide great salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and the Pere Marquette River.