Craig Lake Fishing Guide, Baraga County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Baraga County end of Michigan holds Craig Lake. It stands 1,706 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 367 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. Some 6.7 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. On our Baraga County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest town is L'Anse, 17 miles away. For a city, Thunder Bay is 132 miles off. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Craig Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Baraga County include yellow perch, pink salmon, white sucker, walleye and rainbow smelt. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish Craig Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 63°F and January about 10°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. Expect the water usable from around late April until roughly late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. That is the shape of the year on Craig Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Public data records a boat ramp half a mile out. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Teddy Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Craig Lake.