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The North Breakwall Light and sandy bluffs in Frankfort, MI

Just minutes from Traverse City, Manistee, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Frankfort is not only one of the best sport-fishing ports on Lake Michigan, it is perhaps the most beautiful.

 

Towering dunes and bluffs, world-class beaches, incredible hiking & camping, great local shops, breweries & restaurants.

Plan your trip

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WHAT TO BRING

Being prepared can mean the difference between a wonderful day on the water and a laundry list of regrets.

Please reference the list below to make sure that your fishing adventure is as fun and comfortable as possible!

Also, always remember to check the weather!

  • Camera

  • Sunscreen

  • Rain Gear

  • Jackets

  • Sea-sickness Medication

  • Sunglasses

  • Cooler for Fish

  • Fishing License

  • Pop and beer (cans only)

  • Bottled water

  • Snacks

Lodging

LODGING

Frankfort boasts an impressive variety of lodging, including resorts, historic hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, private cottages, classic motels, rustic camping, or even glamping.

Harbor Lights Resort, on Frankfort Beach

When to come

WHEN TO COME

MAY and JUNE:

The beginning of our season. The water may be cold, but the fishing can still be hot!

 

Some of our best lake trout fishing happens in May and June, with opportunities for off-shore stealhead action, brown trout, and maybe even a big chinook!

 

    Best For:

  • Lake Trout

  • Steelhead

  • Salmon

JULY

Things really start to heat up in July! Beautiful weather and beautiful fishing.

 

The lake trout are still biting, but the king salmon action really takes off. Some of our biggest salmon have been caught in July. As the month progresses we find more and more of those big 3-4 year old salmon.

 

    Best For:

  • King Salmon (Chinook)

  • Lake Trout

  • Steelhead

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
 

August & September may be your best chance to land a trophy king salmon. The big adult kings start homing in on the port of Frankfort in preparation for their run up the Betsie River.

 

We also get our fair share of coho salmon as they make their way to Platte Bay.

 

    Best For:

  • King Salmon

  • Coho Salmon

  • Lake Trout

  • Steelhead

 

Local Flavor

LOCAL FLAVOR

A view of Sleeping Bear Dunes from Empire Bluffs
FRANKFORT BEACH

Frankfort doesn't just have the best fishing, it has the best beaches too! Our home port boasts one of the biggest and most beautiful sandy beaches on the Great Lakes, with views of our statuesque lighthouse and sandy bluffs to the north and south.

A view if historic Fishtown in Leland, Michigan
STORMCLOUD BREWING

Situated right downtown, Stormcloud was voted "Michigan's Best New Brewery" by MLive.com. Great beer, great food, and a great atmosphere.

Point Betsie Lighthouse and Museum
POINT BETSIE

Just 5 miles north of downtown, Point Betsie is a beloved landmark and historic destination all in one. Relax on the beach, tour the museum, or even get a view from the inside the tower. Maybe you'll see us! We often fish just offshore.

Beautiful Frankfort Beach
TUBING & KAYAKING

The nearby Platte River is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing through the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Ride the crystal clear waters all the way to the beach on Lake Michigan.

A view if historic Fishtown in Leland, Michigan
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

Now's your chance to take in some world class sport fishing while also touring nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, voted in 2011 the most beautiful place in America by Good Morning  America TV show.

 

Don't miss out on some of the finest beaches, hiking, biking, and scenery in the country.

A view if historic Fishtown in Leland, Michigan
HISTORIC FISHTOWN

Michigan's most beloved historic fishing village lies just 45 Minutes north of Frankfort in Leelanau Country.

 

Smokehouses, gift shops, galleries, eateries, and boutiques abound.

OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS & ATTRACTIONS
Area Events

AREA EVENTS

May 17, 2019

(2 Days)

Charity fishing tournament for veterans (Manistee)

Jun 03, 2019

- Jun 09, 2019

Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week

Jun 15, 2019

10:00 AM

Frankfort Craft Fair & Antique Vehicle Show

Annual Outdoor Craft and Art Fair - Downtown Frankfort

Jul 04, 2019

9:00 AM

4th of July Parade

Frankfort's annual 4th of July parade

Jul 04, 2019

10:30 PM

Frankfort puts on one of the best fireworks displays in the Great Lakes

Jul 04, 2019

- Jul 07, 2019

Carnival in the Open Space

Jul 26, 2019

July 26, 27, 28 - Benzie Frenzy Fishing Tournament

Jul 26, 2019

Frankfort Side Walk Sale

Aug 16, 2019

Frankfort Art Fair

Sep 14, 2019

Triathlon

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Frankfort Michigan travel poster

DID YOU KNOW?

Trivia

Tight Lines for Troops

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