Cartwright Lakes in Hillsdale County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Cartwright Lakes sits in Hillsdale County, out in Michigan. It sits at 1,037 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 4 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Hillsdale County are larger. Reading is the closest place, 4.4 miles off. The nearest city of size is Fort Wayne, 50 miles away. The boundary is near enough that local access rules are worth double-checking.

• Where to Fish on Cartwright Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. 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 Hillsdale County include bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Cartwright Lakes gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 22°F to 71°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Expect Cartwright Lakes to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Rebeck Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Cartwright Lakes is worth confirming on the day.