Ball Pond Fishing in Manistee County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Ball Pond belongs to Manistee County. It stands 860 feet above sea level. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Manistee County standards. Some 19 miles away sits Kingsley, the nearest settlement. Frankfort lies 21 miles off, Manton another 24 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Ball Pond

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Manistee County records list alewife, rainbow smelt, bloater, johnny darter and lake trout among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The near bank of Ball Pond is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 68°F and January reads 20°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. Climate figures give an open season running early April to mid December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Ball Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Lemon Lake is 4.5 miles off. Treat Ball Pond as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.