Cranberry Lake near Waterford: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Oakland County entry here is Cranberry Lake, in Michigan. The country here is rolling bush. It runs to roughly 39 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Some 4.3 miles away sits Waterford, the nearest settlement. Sterling Heights is the closest city, 24 miles away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Cranberry Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Oakland County cover bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Cranberry Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 22°F and July at about 71°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count the season from break-up, usually late March. From about late March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on Cranberry Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Mead Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Cranberry Lake carry more weight than any list.