Crooked Lake Fishing in Allegan County, Michigan

• Overview

  Crooked Lake lies within the bounds of Allegan County, Michigan. The land about it is pine and birch. Around 134 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Around 3.3 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. Size puts it in the front rank of our Allegan County list. The closest town, Fennville, is 6.3 miles distant. Allegan lies 8.6 miles off, Douglas another 12 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Crooked Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Allegan County records list alewife, rainbow smelt, yellow perch and bloater among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Crooked Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 23°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. Expect the water usable from around late March until roughly late December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Crooked Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Launching is at Little Tom Lake Boat Launch, about half a mile away. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Little Tom Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For Crooked Lake in particular, ask before you travel.