Fishing at Clear Lake, Mecosta County, Michigan

• Overview

  Clear Lake stands in Mecosta County, Michigan. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. It measures about 130 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The whole outline is near 2.0 miles, and most of it is walkable. On our Mecosta County list it sits near the top for size. Start from Big Rapids, 4.7 miles down the road. Canadian Lakes lies 8.3 miles off, Reed City another 15 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Mecosta County: bluegill, largemouth bass and rock bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Clear Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 19°F in January and 69°F in July. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Break-up near early April, freeze-up near mid December: that is the shape of an average year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Clear Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Boats go in at Clear Lake Boat Launch, roughly half a mile from the water. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Anderson Lake, 2.2 miles away. Signs at Clear Lake carry more weight than any list.