Bentley Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Michigan, Bentley Lake falls inside Marquette County. It lies 1,450 feet above sea level. About 9 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Michigan listings. West Ishpeming at 21 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 129 miles distant. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Bentley Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Marquette County include white sucker, yellow perch, rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Bentley Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 12°F to 63°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Expect the water usable from around late April until roughly late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Plan any trip to Bentley Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Bentley Ponds at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Bentley Lake.