Fishing Clear Lake in Alcona County, Michigan

• Overview

  Set in Alcona County, Clear Lake is a Michigan water. The setting is mixed forest. This is a pocket water of some 10 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Hubbard Lake is the closest place, 14 miles off. After that come Mio at 19 miles and Sand Lake at 21 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Alcona County include white sucker, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Work Clear Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 67°F in July and bottom out at 18°F in January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around early December. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Clear Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Poplar Lake, 1.7 miles out. The position on Clear Lake is worth confirming on the day.