Little Bay de Noc - A hidden gem for jumbo perch

Little Bay De Noc Gold

Caught on a Northland Buckshot spoon tipped with a wiggler

Published 1/15/26

Ice Fishing Escanaba, Michigan: Legendary Walleye, Northern Pike, and a Hidden Perch Gem

Escanaba, Michigan is widely known as one of the premier fishing destinations in the Upper Peninsula — especially for walleye and northern pike. Anglers travel from all over the Midwest to fish the waters of Little Bay de Noc, chasing trophy walleyes and aggressive northerns year after year.

But after spending time on the ice here, it’s clear there’s another fishery that deserves far more attention: perch fishing in Escanaba. Quietly, consistently, and incredibly well, this area produces some of the best perch action we’ve experienced — making it one of Escanaba’s true hidden gems.

Escanaba’s Underrated Perch Fishing

While Escanaba is often advertised for walleye fishing, the perch fishing on Little Bay de Noc can be absolutely phenomenal. Even during less-than-ideal conditions we had over our stay which included 40 mph winds, a snowstorm and a rainstorm — the perch stayed active and willing to bite.

Once we dialed in the right presentation, the action was steady and rewarding.

Best Baits for Perch Fishing in Escanaba

For our trip, wigglers were the clear winner. We tried waxworms and minnows with no success — the perch simply didn’t want them.

What worked best:

• Small Clam Pinhead jig tipped with a wiggler

• Northland Forage Spoon tipped with a wiggler

• Northland Buckshot Spoon tipped with a wiggler

Keeping presentations small and subtle made all the difference. If you’re planning a perch trip to Escanaba, don’t overlook wigglers — they were key to our success.

Blade’s Bait & Tackle: A Must-Stop for Ice Anglers

Before heading out on the ice, Blade’s Bait & Tackle is a must-stop in the Escanaba area. They’re your go-to shop for live bait, including wigglers, and they carry a wide selection of gear and essentials needed for every type of angler.

Beyond just having what you need, the people at Blade’s are what really stand out — friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Whether you’re a seasoned ice angler or fishing the area for the first time, it’s the kind of bait shop where you feel welcome and confident walking out with the right setup for the conditions.

Ice Fishing with Craze- Eye’s Guide Service in Escanaba

A huge part of what made this trip enjoyable — even in tough weather — was fishing with Craze- Eye’s Guide Service sleeper shacks.

Our guide, Tim, was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful, and genuinely great to be around. Despite the high winds and rain, we stayed warm and comfortable inside the sleeper shack and still had a memorable fishing experience.

Not every ice fishing trip comes with perfect conditions, but a great guide can make all the difference. I would highly recommend Crazy Eye’s Service to anyone looking for a guided ice fishing experience in Escanaba or on Little Bay de Noc.

Where to Stay & Eat in Escanaba and Gladstone, Michigan

Fishing might be the main draw, but Escanaba and nearby Gladstone also offer excellent lodging and food options that made our trip even better.

Terrace Bay Hotel & Freshwater Tavern

We stayed at the Terrace Bay Hotel, which was comfortable and conveniently located. The on-site Freshwater Tavern was a highlight — great food, relaxed atmosphere, and the perfect place to unwind after a long day of ice fishing.

Solberg’s Buck Inn delivered classic Upper Peninsula charm with great food and a lively bar scene. It’s a must-stop if you’re looking for a local favorite in Escanaba.

Main Street Pizza in Gladstone was easily some of the best pizza we’ve ever had. If you’re anywhere near Gladstone, this stop is absolutely worth it.

Dew Drop Inn For breakfast, the Dew Drop Inn was outstanding. Phenomenal service, great food, and an all-around enjoyable experience — the perfect way to start a fishing day.

Why Escanaba Belongs on Every Ice Angler’s List

Between world-class walleye fishing, aggressive northern pike, and an incredibly underrated perch fishery, Escanaba, Michigan delivers an unforgettable ice fishing experience. Add in knowledgeable guides, comfortable sleeper shacks, great local bait shops, and excellent food, and it’s easy to see why anglers return year after year.

If you’re planning an Upper Peninsula ice fishing trip, don’t overlook perch fishing in Escanaba. Sometimes the best fisheries are the ones flying just under the radar.

For more informations visit Visitescanaba.com