Charlick Lake Fishing near Milford, Michigan

• Overview

  Charlick Lake is one of the Oakland County waters in Michigan. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. Small at around 23 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Nearest town is Milford, 5.8 miles off. Holly lies 8.1 miles off, Fenton another 9.3 miles. Also on the doorstep: Gourd Lake about 0.2 miles, Woodruff Lake out at 0.3 miles, Tomahawk Lake about 0.6 miles, Peninsula Lake out at 0.7 miles and Murray Lake about 0.8 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Charlick Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Oakland County include bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Take Charlick Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 70°F and January about 22°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at mid December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at Charlick Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Gourd Lake is 0.2 miles off. For Charlick Lake in particular, ask before you travel.