Michigan experiences very cold temperatures, but anglers don’t have to wait until spring or summer to fish. They can choose one of Michigan’s 11,000 lakes and ponds for ice fishing. However, it is important to stay safe while ice fishing and wear the right clothing. Read on to learn about the best ice fishing lakes in Michigan!
Hamlin Lake
Although Hamlin Lake is popular during the summer, many people also visit in the winter.
Hamlin Lake is a man-made lake in Michigan. The lake is 12 miles long and about two miles wide, covering 5,350 acres. Hamlin Lake is divided into two sections, Upper Lake and Lower Lake. Interestingly, the western section is deeper than the lower lake, with a maximum depth of 80 feet. Parts of the lake abut Ludington State Park and Manistee National Forest. Park visitors can rent a boat or canoe for the water. Although Hamlin Lake is popular during the summer, many people also ice fish in the winter. Anglers can fish for lionfish, walleye and pike in Hamlin Lake.
Lake Cass
This lake is the largest and deepest lake in Oakland County, Michigan.
Cass Lake is a popular ice fishing destination. This lake is the largest and deepest lake in Oakland County, Michigan. Its area is 1,280 acres and the lake has a maximum depth of 123 feet. Multiple towns and cities border this beautiful lake and offer many activities for residents and visitors. Under certain conditions, anglers have a good chance of catching walleye and bream. Cass Lake crappies can be found in sloping contours and bays. These fish are healthy and about 10 to 11 inches long. As a bonus, you can use one of the grills on the lake to cook your catch!
Saginaw Bay
Because it is warmer and shallower than the rest of Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay’s fish community is diverse.
Saginaw Bay is located on Lake Huron in eastern Michigan. This unique bay has an area of 1,143 square miles and is located at an altitude of 581 feet. In addition, it has a long history that began with the indigenous peoples.
The fish community of Saginaw Bay is unique. Because it is warmer and shallower than the rest of Lake Huron, its fish community is diverse. While you can catch common fish such as walleye and yellow perch, you can also catch whitefish and lake sturgeon. The best time to ice fish Saginaw Bay is between late December and mid to late March. However, safety should always be practiced and conditions checked before setting foot on the lake.
Lake of Canes
Reed Lake is an ice fishing destination for locals.
Reeds Lake is a 265-acre freshwater lake in East Grand Rapids. This lake is a popular spot for boating, kayaking and fishing in all seasons. Since the 1870s, it has been a point of interest for locals. An early 20th century amusement park that once operated on the lake, but closed in 1955. The lake is now known for its ice fishing. Also, many people visit for bird watching. Great blue herons, Canada geese, and lapwings can be seen at the lake.
Crystal Lake
While you can enjoy the crystal clear and refreshing water during the summer, you can also fish for lake trout and rainbow trout in the winter.
Crystal Lake is near Lake Michigan, located in Benzie County. It occupies about 9,854 acres of land, making it the 9th largest inland lake in the state. For many years, it was called “Cape Lake”, because of the frequent white caps visible on its surface. As its official name suggests, Crystal Lake is stunning and crystal clear. Because the watershed that feeds the lake is small, wastewater output is minimal. While you can enjoy the clean, refreshing water during the summer, you can also fish for coho salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout in the winter.
Lake Gogebic
Lake Gogebic is popular for ice fishing because it is often stocked with brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, whitefish, northern pike and walleye.
Another of the best lakes for ice fishing in Michigan is Lake Gogebic. This lake is a large body of natural water. Its area is 13,380 acres and has a coastline length of 34.35 miles. Lake Gogebic is 14 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Its average depth is 17.5 feet, and despite its large size, its maximum depth is only 38 feet. Lake Gogebic is popular for ice fishing because it is often stocked with brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, whitefish, northern pike and walleye. Their ice fishing season runs from the first ice until mid-January, but you should always check the conditions before planning a trip.
Lake Brevoort
The lake is known for its healthy and abundant walleye and chinook salmon.
Lake Brevoort is a favorite of many Michigan anglers because anglers never know what they will catch! The lake is located in Mackinac County, with much of the shoreline in the Hiawatha National Forest. The lake is known for its healthy and abundant walleye and chinook salmon; however, you may get lucky and come across a trout, fish or perch.
Lake Houghton
The most common fish found while ice fishing on Houghton Lake are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and blue bass.
Houghton Lake is Michigan’s largest inland lake at 22,000 acres! Despite its size, the maximum depth of the lake is only 22 feet with an average depth of 7.5 feet. However, it is rare for depths to exceed 17 feet. Houghton Lake is 10 miles long and 5.5 miles wide. It is a very popular destination for ice fishing in the winter. In fact, a huge ice fishing and winter sports festival is held every year along with multiple events. The most common fish found while ice fishing on Houghton Lake are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and blue bass.