Barchard Lake in Houghton County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Houghton County, Michigan, sits Barchard Lake. Country round the bank runs to mixed forest. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Michigan water on our list, it sits high. The nearest town is Baraga, 20 miles away. Thunder Bay sits 127 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Barchard Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name rainbow smelt, bloater and cisco. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Barchard Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 65°F at the top of summer and 11°F at the bottom of winter. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late April. Averages suggest open water from about late April through to roughly late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Barchard Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Davis Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat access at Barchard Lake as something to verify.