Fishing at Bates Lake, Antrim County, Michigan

• Overview

  Look for Bates Lake in Antrim County, Michigan. The setting is mixed forest. This is a pocket water of some 6 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Antrim County are larger. Supplies mean a trip to Mancelona, 4.4 miles off. Grand Rapids is the closest city, 136 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Bates Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name brook trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Bates Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 19°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Bates Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Mud Lake at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Bates Lake.