Fishing at Cooke Dam Pond, Iosco County, Michigan

• Overview

  Cooke Dam Pond is listed under Iosco County, Michigan. This is lake country bush country. At some 2.6 sq miles it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. It is among the larger waters listed here for Iosco County. For a base, Sand Lake sits 8.8 miles out. Lansing is the closest city, 127 miles away. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Cooke Dam Pond

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Iosco County records list rock bass, bluegill, pink salmon and largemouth bass among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Cooke Dam Pond responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 19°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan any trip to Cooke Dam Pond around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. For a change of water, Buck Creek Pond is 3.1 miles distant. Check the position at Cooke Dam Pond before loading the car.