Bush Lake in Lake County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Lake County, Michigan, sits Bush Lake. Elevation runs to 823 feet. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Baldwin sits 0.6 miles from here and is the nearest stop. It is 66 miles to Grand Rapids, the nearest city. If this one is busy: Little Star Lake (0.6 miles), Putman Lake sits 0.9 miles out, Whalen Lake (0.9 miles), Little Leverentz Lake sits 1 mile out and Cashion Lake (1.1 miles). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Bush Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. 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. Across Lake County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brook trout, white sucker and bluegill. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Bush Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 69°F and January reads 20°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Ice clears near early April and comes back about mid December in a typical year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. At Bush Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Baldwin Hatchery Boating Access Site covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Little Star Lake, 0.6 miles away. Treat access at Bush Lake as something to verify.