Fishing at Beechnut Lake, Presque Isle County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Presque Isle County entry here is Beechnut Lake, in Michigan. Everything around it is mixed forest. Small at around 2 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Presque Isle County are larger. The nearest place of any size is Rogers City, 6 miles away. Beyond it, Cheboygan at 30 miles and Indian River at 32 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Beechnut Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Presque Isle County records list rainbow smelt, alewife, bloater, lake whitefish and lake trout among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Beechnut Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 67°F in July and bottom out at 18°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near early December in autumn. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On Beechnut Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Twin Lakes, 3.5 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm access to Beechnut Lake locally before you travel.