Fishing Butcher Lake in Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  Butcher Lake sits in Oakland County, out in Michigan. The bank is 951 feet above sea level. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. Our Oakland County list holds plenty of bigger water. Fenton at 2.3 miles is the nearest place to stop. Holly lies 3 miles off, Lake Fenton another 5.4 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Butcher Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The near bank of Butcher Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 70°F and January reads 22°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Ice clears near early April and comes back about mid December in a typical year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Butcher Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Tremper Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Butcher Lake for certain.