Black Lakes Fishing in Mecosta County, Michigan

• Overview

  Black Lakes falls in Mecosta County, part of Michigan. It stands 974 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 22 acres — small enough to read in one session. Shoreline comes to about 1.8 miles, small enough to learn in a day. The nearest place of any size is Lakeview, 6.3 miles away. It is 45 miles to Grand Rapids, the nearest city. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Black Lakes

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Mecosta County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass and black crappie among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Treat Black Lakes as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 69°F and January at 20°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. The season on Black Lakes rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Clear Lake is 1.7 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Black Lakes.