Big Fish Lake in Lapeer County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Michigan, Big Fish Lake belongs to Lapeer County. It lies 1,047 feet above sea level. Roughly 105 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. It ranks high for size among our Lapeer County listings. The nearest place of any size is Ortonville, 3.6 miles away. It is 28 miles to Sterling Heights, the nearest city. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Big Fish Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Lapeer County cover bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon, black crappie and northern pike. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Treat Big Fish Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 21°F in January to roughly 70°F in July. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about mid December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Plan any trip to Big Fish Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. A platform or pier sits within half a mile. There are picnic tables half a mile away. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Davison Lake, 0.7 miles away.