Fishing Cedar Lake in Clinton County, Michigan

• Overview

  Clinton County in Michigan is where Cedar Lake sits. Land around it is mixed forest. On water this small, stealth matters more than range. Our Clinton County list holds plenty of bigger water. Laingsburg sits 4.8 miles from the bank. After that come Bath at 6 miles and DeWitt at 7.7 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Cedar Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Clinton County include bluegill, pink salmon, yellow perch and black crappie. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Cedar Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 70°F; the cold one sits at 21°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Climate averages put the opening at about early April and the closing near mid December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. At Cedar Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Montague Lake at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Cedar Lake.