The Hurley, Wisconsin, and Ironwood, Michigan areas are known for their exceptional fishing opportunities, offering anglers a diverse range of freshwater experiences. Situated near the border of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, these regions boast a mix of serene lakes, rushing rivers, and scenic streams, making them a haven for fishing enthusiasts year-round.
Why Fish in the Hurley & Ironwood Area
– Diverse Fishing Locations
Enjoy fishing in serene lakes, rushing rivers, and scenic streams throughout the region.
– Wide Variety of Species
Catch walleye, northern pike, bass, trout, salmon, and more in the area's waters.
– Year-Round Adventure
With different bodies of water and fishing techniques, fishing here is great in all seasons.
Top Fishing Locations
– Lake Gogebic
One of the largest lakes in the region, known for its walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish fishing, including crappies and bluegill.
– Saxon Harbor
Provides excellent shore and boat fishing, with species like trout and smallmouth bass commonly caught.
– Montreal River
Running along the Hurley area, this river offers a variety of fish, including trout and salmon.
– Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Fish for brook trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead in the cool, clear waters of this popular area.
– Lake Superior
Accessible from Ironwood, this lake offers great fishing for lake trout, salmon, and whitefish, especially in summer.
Additional Features
– Multiple Fishing Techniques
Whether you enjoy fly fishing, shore fishing, or boating, the area provides a variety of ways to fish.
– Scenic & Tranquil Settings
The beautiful landscapes and peaceful waters offer the perfect environment for a relaxing fishing experience.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced angler, the Hurley and Ironwood areas are perfect for those seeking a peaceful and rewarding fishing adventure.
Access & Views
– Offers access to Lake Superior
– Walk across a suspension bridge to the beach
– Ideal for watching sunsets, rock picking, swimming, and beach bonfires
Scenic Features
– Picturesque hiking trails
– Waterfalls: Rainbow, Sandstone, Potawatomi (wheelchair access), Gorge and Great Conglomerate
Amenities
– Vault toilet
– Picnic area
COPPER PEAK
BLACK RIVER HARBOR INFO
FIND YOUR NORTH WATERFALL BROCHURE
• Trail difficulty: Moderate
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 40 feet
Features
– Ancient lava flows, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls
– Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s
Activities
– Camping
– Hiking
– Bicycling
– Picnicking
– Fishing
– Swimming in Loon Lake
Highlights
– The 1.7-mile Doughboy’s Nature Trail along the Bad River is one of Wisconsin’s best hikes
DIRECTIONS
Take Hwy 13 to the north side of Mellen and turn northeast on Hwy 169. Travel 1.8 miles, the park entrance will be on the west side.
46.20518° 90.38340°
• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 10 feet
Kimball Falls
– Offering picnic tables, fire-pits, pavilion, porta potty, playground, and basketball court
– Waterfall viewing and fishing opportunities
– Short walking trail with interpretive signs honoring Kimball Fire Department honorees
– Located on the West Branch of the Montreal River, south of US Highway 2 and 3 miles west of Hurley
DIRECTIONS
Follow US 2 North out of Hurley and turn left onto Park Rd. Parking is at the end of Town Park Dr. just prior to the walking bridge.
46.486042° 90.26099°
Fishing
– Known for Walleyes, Smallmouth Bass, and Jumbo Perch throughout the year
– Shore fishing available at the DNR pier in Bergland
Watercraft Rentals
– Rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or personal watercraft at the park office
– Use the park’s launch for fishing boats, speedboats, pontoon boats, and more
Boating
– Public boat launches in Bergland and four other sites on the lake
Ice Fishing
– Popular, primarily accessed by snowmobile
Park Amenities
– Pavilion with picnic tables, playground equipment, self-guided hiking interpretive trail, paved boat launch, swimming area, pier access, and restrooms
Hiking
– Lake Gogebic Forest Trail (2 miles), perfect for bird spotting, fern, and fungi photography
Snowmobiling
– Access via Trail 1 or Trail 13 for snowmobiling on the 20-square-mile lake
• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 10 feet
Lake of the Falls is located in the Mercer area on the Turtle River.
DIRECTIONS
Travel north from Mercer on Hwy 51 for 1.4 miles. Turn west on Cty FF and proceed 5.2 miles. Turn left at Iron County Park/ Lake of the Falls sign. Popkos Circle Picnic and rustic camping facilities, boat landing with access to Turtle-Flambeau Flowage via the Turtle River.
46.150491° 90.151973°
Unique Pebble Beach
– Perfect for agate and Yooperlight hunters
– Favorite beach of the locals
– Swim, float, paddle or beach bonfires
– Photo worthy sunsets
Access
– Easy, close parking to a half mile of Lake Superior lakeshore
– Lesser known path to the right of park; down a slight hill
View
– Apostle Islands to the Northwest
– Porcupine Mountains to the Northeast
Amenities
– Picnic area with 2 pavilions, picnic tables, grills and restrooms
BEACH INFO
YOOPERLITES
Lost Lake (Spirit Lake)
– Small, secluded lake off Lake Rd
– Fish, swim, picnic or paddle
Amenities
– Small beach area for swimming and pavilion with restroom
– Known for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Blue Gill and Crappie
Amenities
– Dock, kayak launch, boat launch, picnic area, vault toilet
“The Porkies”
– Michigan’s largest state park
– 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges
– Popular for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, and more
Natural Attractions
– Lake of the Clouds
– Scenic Presque Isle River corridor
– Summit Peak observation tower
– Roaring waterfalls and picturesque vistas
Recreational Features
– Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex
– Fall chairlift rides
– 18-hole disc golf course
– Porcupine Mountains Shooting Complex (managed by Lake Superior Sportsman Club)
Access
– ATV/UTV and snowmobile access
– Park roads, including County Road M-107 and South Boundary Road, close from Dec. 1 through late spring for safety
– During winter, closed roads become designated snowmobile trails and reopen when safe for vehicles, as determined by the Ontonagon County Road Commission
WATERFALL GUIDE
TRAILS
MAP
AREA GUIDE
ACCESS VIA TRAIL 3 – ATV/UTV & SNOWMOBILE
– A quaint harbor on Lake Superior’s south shore near the MI border
– Ideal for fishing, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, agate hunting, and swimming
– Stunning sunsets with the Apostle Islands visible on the horizon
ACCESSIBLE VIA ROUTES – ATV/UTV
• Trail difficulty: Easy
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 15 feet
3 primitive campsites, fire rings & picnic tables. Paddle craft & boat
launch into the Turtle River. First come, first serve. No fees, 14 day limit. Fishing.
DIRECTIONS
3 miles east of County Hwy. H on Fisher Lake Rd., about 6 miles northeast of Mercer.
– Popular spot for fishing, swimming, or paddling
– Access via Eddy City Park or Southwest City Park
– Enjoy a 3-mile walk, bike ride, or snowshoe around the lake on a paved trail
ATV/UTV & Snowmobile Access
– Trail access for ATV/UTV and snowmobiles
– Easy access from both parks, connecting to nearby trail systems.
ATV/UTV ACCESSIBLE
• Upper Trail difficulty: Easy
• Lower Trail difficulty: Difficult
• Travel difficulty: Easy
• Height: 90 feet
Superior Falls
– One of the tallest waterfalls in WI with a total drop of 110 feet across several levels
– Located on the Montreal River, which forms the boundary between upper MI and northern WI
– Known for its gorgeous river, huge gorges, and excellent whitewater in spring
Accessibility
– Main viewing area is easily accessible from the parking lot
– Steep hike down to Lake Superior offers a different perspective of the falls and the massive gorge
– Excellent spot for finding skipping stones along the Lake Superior shoreline
DIRECTIONS
Taking US 2 North, turn right onto Hwy 122 and travel approximately 4.2 miles. You’ll cross into Michigan as you go over a bridge (the road becomes Lake Rd). Travel another half mile and turn left onto a gravel road. A parking area is available.
46.561044° 90.415184°
– 3400-acre lake located in northern Iron County, WI
– Created in 1945 for hydroelectric power generation, now one of the last undeveloped large water bodies in northern Wisconsin
– Rocky shores and bedrock islands
– ATV/UTV and snowmobile access
Recreation
– Northern pike, muskellunge, and panfish
– Scenic area popular for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and loons
– Ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding due to its peaceful and secluded waters
– Great location for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
– Features a park, pavilion, swimming area, and boat launch (no dock)
BOAT LAUNCHES
– Great for panfish, largemouth bass, and trout fishing
– Ideal for kayaking or canoeing with a peaceful, slow-no-wake environment
– 65-acre lake perfect for a relaxing day on the water
– Popular “Wine Hut” nearby
Access
– ATV/UTV trail access and day use parking
LAKE MAP
