Fishing at Blood Lake, Newaygo County, Michigan

• Overview

  Look for Blood Lake in the Newaygo County part of Michigan. The setting is lake country bush on every side. The water measures roughly 7 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for Newaygo County are larger. Ravenna is the closest town at 8.6 miles. After that come Newaygo at 8.9 miles and Kent City at 9.6 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Blood Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Newaygo County: largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, johnny darter and white sucker. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Treat Blood Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 70°F and January near 22°F on the long-run figures. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Blood Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Sand Lake at 1.3 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Blood Lake is worth confirming on the day.