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LUDINGTON
Funding support provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust has improved facilities at both the North and South Breakwaters. Anglers can also fish from the North Inner Pier. The South Inner Pier is on private property and therefore not accessible.
North Breakwater
Description
The barrier-free structure is about 1,750 feet long and contains a large amount of riprap except for the end around the lighthouse. The first section, which is straight, is 120 feet long and 6 feet wide. The breakwater then bends into a 1,630-foot-long, conventional structure that features an 8-foot-wide center cap with sloping sides that are each 61¼2 feet. The slopes lead to inner and outer walks, each of which is 51¼2 feet wide. Anglers unable to negotiate the 1-foot step from the slope to the walks are limited to the center cap.
Access
A 6-foot-wide, barrier-free walkway leads 825 feet from the parking lot to the structure.
Amenities
The parking area at Stearns Park covers 3 blocks and includes spaces for handicap-only vehicles. There are seasonal concession stands and barrier-free restrooms at both ends.
North Inner Pier
Description
The structure, which contains a large amount of riprap, is 28 feet wide and about 380 feet long from the end of the seawall that leads to Pere Marquette Lake. Steps from the seawall to the pier preclude access to disabled anglers.
Access
A walk from the south end of the public boat launch parking lot is 7 1/2 feet wide and 360 feet long.
Amenities
The lot can accommodate about 50 vehicles. Facilities include a fish-cleaning station and restroom, which is not barrier-free.
South Breakwater
Description
At more than 3,600 feet, the barrier-free bent-shaped breakwater is one of the longest on Lake Michigan. The first section 12 feet long and 14 feet wide leads to middle sections that are 1,192 feet long and 16 feet wide and 192 feet long and 18 feet wide respectively. From this point 2,300 feet to the lighthouse, the structure takes on the classic breakwater style: 6-foot-wide center cap with sloping sides that are each 6 1/2 feet wide and lead to a 1-foot step and inner and outer walks that are each 5 feet wide. The lighthouse is built on a steel section that is 28-feet square. The slopes and step-downs limit disabled anglers to the center cap.
Access
A new cement sidewalk that is 6 feet wide and 370 feet long leads from the parking lot to the structure.
Amenities
The paved lot has parking for 14 vehicles, one of which is handicap-designated. There are no restrooms.
What's Hot?
- Brown Trout
- Chinook Salmon
- Menominee
- Smallmouth Bass
- Steelhead
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
A good fishery develops as early as late March for brown trout and menominee and often lasts until late May. Anglers catch some walleye in spring and summer, especially after dark, and a few yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Chinook salmon show up from early August through Labor Day. An excellent steelhead run, along with good fishing for menominee, begins in mid October and lasts until December.
Tactics
Try Countdown Rapalas in Fire Tiger for walleye. Browns hit spawn bags or casting spoons such as Little Cleos in blue and silver and chartreuse and silver. To catch menominee, use a lively wiggler or single salmon egg on a tiny hook with light line and a piece of split shot. Salmon strike K.O. Wobblers and Krocodiles along with large, lively crankbaits. Try various colors. For steelhead, use fresh salmon spawn in a sac or treated skein. For bait, tackle, and fishing information, contact The Pere Marquette Sports Center, 214. W. Ludington Ave. (231-843-8676). The Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce is at 5827 W. US-10 (231-845-0324).
Stocking
The DNR annually stocks the harbor area with 15,000 to 25,000 brown trout yearlings. Managers also rear and release 150,000 or more chinook fingerlings at the state park net pen.
Additional Information
Funding support provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust has improved facilities at both the North and South Breakwaters. Anglers can also fish from the North Inner Pier. The South Inner Pier is on private property and therefore not accessible.
Area Accommodations
Camping is available at Ludington State Park (231-843-8671); Cartier Campgrounds, 1254 N. Lakeshore Dr. (231-845-1522), about 0.8 miles from Stearns Park; and Pere Marquette Townships Buttersville Campground, about 0.8 mile from the South Breakwater (231-843-3943).
Map of Access Area & Driving Directions
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North Breakwater
From US-31, turn west on US-10/Ludington Ave. 3 1/2 miles through Ludington to Lakeshore Dr. Turn north about 4 blocks to the entrance to Stearns Park. Turn left into the park and drive to the south end.
A 6-foot-wide, barrier-free walkway leads 825 feet from the parking lot to the structure.
North Inner Pier
From US-31, turn south on Lakeshore Dr. 1 block to W. Loomis St, and then turn west into the parking area.
A walk from the south end of the public boat launch parking lot is 7 1/2 feet wide and 360 feet long.
South Breakwater
From US-31, take the Business US-31/Pere Marquette Rd. exit and drive west 2 miles to Iris Rd. Turn west and go 1 1/2 miles to Lakeshore Dr., then north 2 miles to the parking lot.
A new cement sidewalk that is 6 feet wide and 370 feet long leads from the parking lot to the structure.
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