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!
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Camera
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Sunscreen
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Rain Gear
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Jackets
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Sea-sickness Medication
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Sunglasses
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Cooler for Fish
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Pop and beer (cans only)
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Bottled water
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Snacks
LODGING
Frankfort boasts an impressive variety of lodging, including resorts, historic hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, private cottages, classic motels, rustic camping, or even glamping.
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Visit Benzie - Frankfort Lodging
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AirBnB - Frankfort Vacation Rental
Harbor Lights Resort, on Frankfort Beach
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:
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Lake Trout
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Steelhead
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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:
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King Salmon (Chinook)
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Lake Trout
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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:
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King Salmon
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Coho Salmon
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Lake Trout
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Steelhead
LOCAL FLAVOR
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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Crystal Downs --- Consistently ranked among the top courses in the United States
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Betsie Valley Trail --- Beautiful 22 mile trail for biking and hiking
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Stormcloud Brewery --- Frankfort's own craft brewery is right downtown
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The Garden Theater --- Frankfort's historic downtown movie theater
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Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce --- Local Area Chamber of Commerce
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Benzie County Chamber of Commerce --- Local Area Chamber of Commerce
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The Hotel Frankfort --- Historic boutique hotel located downtown Frankfort
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Traverse City --- Just 35 min away and brimming with seasonal activities & Northern MI culture
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Manistee --- Another great Northern Michigan destination
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The Mighty Mitten --- Beautiful Michigan themed, vintage inspired travel posters by Brian Walline
DID YOU KNOW?
Frankfort Facts & Trivia
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The deepest part of Lake Michigan is about 30 miles south west
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It takes almost 100 years for water to circulate through Lake Michigan.
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Michigan has more light houses than any other state.
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Some historians believe that Father Jacques Marquette was originally
buried near the Frankfort beach in 1675.
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One 1000 foot Great Lakes freighter can carry the equivalent in ore,
sand, coal or rocks of 700 railroad cars or 2800 semi trucks.
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Lake Michigan is over 300 miles long.
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In 2011, Good Morning America TV show's viewer poll selected the Sleeping Bear Dunes area as "The most beautiful place in America."
