Fishing Billings Lake in Wexford County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Wexford County entry here is Billings Lake, in Michigan. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. Manton sits 0.4 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Further out sit Cadillac (11 miles) and Kingsley (14 miles). Within easy reach: Buttermilk Lake 3.7 miles, Stoddard Lake (5.1 miles), Whitlock Lake 5.2 miles, North Lake (5.3 miles) and Bond Mill Pond 5.5 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Billings Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Wexford County, recorded fish include bluegill, yellow perch and rock bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Billings Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 67°F in July and bottoms out near 18°F in January. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Billings Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Buttermilk Lake sits 3.7 miles off and takes the overflow. For Billings Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.