Big Bear Lake Fishing Guide, Montmorency County, Michigan

• Overview

  Big Bear Lake stands in Montmorency County, Michigan. It sits at 1,230 feet above sea level. About 344 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. There is roughly 3.4 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. It is among the larger waters listed here for Montmorency County. Some 5.3 miles away sits Lewiston, the nearest settlement. The nearest city of size is Grand Rapids, 150 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Big Bear Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Big Bear Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 16°F in January up to 66°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. Open water usually runs from mid April until about early December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. At Big Bear Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A boat ramp sits about half a mile from the water. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Little Bear Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Big Bear Lake for certain.