Grocery store smoked fish comes wrapped in plastic and shipped from who knows where. Along the Michigan shoreline, small fish markets do it the old way, with fish pulled from the Great Lakes and smoked close to the docks.
These seven shops stretch from Leelanau to Lake Superior, and each one has its own reason to earn a spot in your cooler. Pack some crackers, plan a road trip, and get ready to taste whitefish the way Michigan does it best.
1. Carlson’s Fishery, Leland, MI
Fishtown in Leland is one of the most photographed waterfronts in northern Michigan, and Carlson’s Fishery sits right in the middle of it on River Street. The weathered shanties and fishing boats make the setting worth the stop alone.
The family-run shop catches and smokes its own fish from Lake Michigan. That short trip from boat to smoker is exactly why smoked whitefish and lake trout here have such a strong following.
The case also holds smoked salmon and fresh fish, plus jerky and spice mixes to take home. I like grabbing a few extras for later, because smoked fish rarely lasts long in a car.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan to walk the docks after shopping, since Leland is a village of under 1,000 people that rewards a slow wander.
2. John Cross Fisheries, Charlevoix, MI
Variety is the big draw at John Cross Fisheries. Smoked salmon, whitefish, fish sausage, and even oysters share space in the cases, so one stop can cover a picnic and dinner.
The shop sits on Belvedere Avenue near the harbor channel, in a town wedged between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Fresh and smoked fish come straight from Lake Michigan, and the staff are known for being friendly and helpful.
Fish sausage is the curveball here. If you have only ever had whitefish as a fillet, it is a fun way to try something new.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly before you shop.
3. Big Stone Bay Fishery Inc, Mackinaw City, MI
Most people rush through Mackinaw City on the way to the bridge or the ferry. Slow down on US-23, because Big Stone Bay Fishery is where smart travelers stock up.
The shop carries a strong selection of fresh and smoked fish. Fresh whitefish fillets here can rival restaurant plates, and the perch is a natural pick for a backyard fish fry.
For snacking, smoked salmon and lake trout are easy grab-and-go choices. I would save a stop here for the drive home, so the cooler stays full all the way back.
Doors open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so morning visits are the easier bet.
4. Manley’s Fish Market, St Ignace, MI
Since 1942, Manley’s has been handing smoked fish across the counter in St. Ignace. The business has stayed in the family for generations, and it still has that humble shack look that hints you found a real local spot.
Smoked salmon, trout, and whitefish fill the cases, along with whitefish dip and jerky. The dip is an easy win for a cabin snack table.
The market sits on North State Street, just across the Mackinac Bridge from the Lower Peninsula. It makes a handy first stop once you cross into the U.P.
Hours run daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free parking available. Sunday and Friday tend to be calmer if you want to browse without a line.
5. Lothrop & Sons Fisheries, Brimley, MI
A town on Whitefish Bay had better know its whitefish, and Lothrop & Sons delivers. This family fishery sits on West Lakeshore Drive in Brimley, along the Lake Superior shoreline.
The lineup covers whole whitefish fillets, smoked whitefish fillets, and whitefish and chips dinners. Whitefish dip shows up on occasion, so grab it if you see it.
The real sleeper is the smoked whitefish sausage. It has a loyal fan base, and prices across the shop stay reasonable.
Hours are shorter than most, running Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The shop closes Sundays, so time your trip.
6. Bay Port Fish Co, Bay Port, MI
Thumb travelers, this one is yours. Bay Port is a village of fewer than 500 people with deep commercial fishing roots on Saginaw Bay, and Bay Port Fish Co carries that history right into the store.
The long-standing company sells smoked whitefish, salmon, and walleye. Smoked walleye is not something you see everywhere, which makes it a fun pick.
Spreads and frozen fish round out the shelves, along with locally caught Lake Whitefish. The staff are personable and happy to help you choose.
Free on-site parking makes it an easy stop. Hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday through Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with no public restroom.
7. Thill & Son’s Fish House Inc, Marquette, MI
Some Marquette families have been buying smoked fish at Thill’s for decades. That kind of loyalty says plenty about this harbor fish house on East Main Street.
The smoked whitefish is the headliner, and fresh whitefish from Lake Superior is just as popular. A good seafood variety fills out the rest of the case.
It works for picnics, quick snacks, or full meals at home. I would pick some up before heading to a Lake Superior beach for the afternoon.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sundays.
From Leland to Marquette, these seven shops prove the best smoked whitefish comes from people who still work the water. Save this list for your next shoreline drive.
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