Breeds Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Kalkaska County, Michigan, this is Breeds Lake. Everything around it is lake country bush. It covers about 10 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The closest town, Kalkaska, is 11 miles distant. Further out sit Manton (15 miles) and Kingsley (15 miles). The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Breeds Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public occurrence data for Kalkaska County names yellow perch, white sucker, rock bass, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Breeds Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 67°F and January near 18°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. The season on Breeds Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Woodard Lake is 1.1 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Breeds Lake for certain.