Boss Lake in Ogemaw County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Ogemaw County in Michigan is where Boss Lake sits. It stands 830 feet above sea level. Skidway Lake is the closest place, 4.2 miles off. Then West Branch, 11 miles, and Sand Lake, 17 miles. Other water nearby: Boughner Lake sits 0.3 miles out, Long Lake 0.7 miles, Birch Lake sits 1 mile out, Hardwood Lake 1.2 miles and Indian Lake sits 1.3 miles out. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Boss Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Ogemaw County records list bluegill, rock bass and pink salmon among the fish reported. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Boss Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 18°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early April. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Boss Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A ramp at Long Lake Boat Launch is mapped half a mile away. The water borders Long Lake Public Access, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. If the gate is shut, Boughner Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Boss Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.