Chippewa Lake Fishing Guide, Mecosta County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Mecosta County end of Michigan holds Chippewa Lake. Height above sea level is 1,063 feet. At 783 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The perimeter runs near 5.5 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Nothing else we list in Mecosta County covers more water. The town to know is Big Rapids, 10 miles out. Further out sit Evart (10 miles) and Canadian Lakes (12 miles). This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Chippewa Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. 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. Survey and observation records for Mecosta County include bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, black crappie and northern pike. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Chippewa Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in July and bottoms out near 19°F in January. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Chippewa Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The slipway at Chippewa Lake Boat Launch is half a mile away. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Bullhead Lake is 1.1 miles off. What applies at Chippewa Lake may have changed since it was mapped.