Fishing Bracken Lake in Gogebic County, Michigan

• Overview

  Bracken Lake is one of the Gogebic County waters in Michigan. Height above sea level is 1,601 feet. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Gogebic County list. Nearest town is Iron River, 25 miles off. Stambaugh, Iron River lies 26 miles off, Eagle River another 30 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Bracken Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Gogebic County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Bracken Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 65°F and January at 10°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The water is typically free of ice between late April and late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Plan around that when you fish Bracken Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Temple Lake, 0.8 miles away. Confirm access to Bracken Lake locally before you travel.