Boughner Lake Fishing in Ogemaw County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Boughner Lake falls inside Ogemaw County. The setting is pine and birch. It measures about 46 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. With about 1.2 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Skidway Lake is the closest place, 4.5 miles off. West Branch lies 11 miles off, Sand Lake another 17 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Boughner Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. 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. Fish documented in Ogemaw County include bluegill, rock bass, pink salmon and largemouth bass. The county list is broader than any single water. Boughner Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in July and bottoms out near 18°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Break-up near early April, freeze-up near mid December: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Boughner Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Boats go in at Long Lake Boat Launch, roughly half a mile from the water. Long Lake Public Access covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Boss Lake sits 0.3 miles off and takes the overflow. For Boughner Lake in particular, ask before you travel.