Fishing at Crooked Lake, Gogebic County, Michigan

• Overview

  Crooked Lake is a Gogebic County water, Michigan side. The land about it is mixed forest. Roughly 622 acres of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. With 12 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. On our Gogebic County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Eagle River, 21 miles away. After that come Iron River at 32 miles and Stambaugh, Iron River at 33 miles.

• Where to Fish on Crooked Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Gogebic County cover bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The shape of Crooked Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 65°F and January reads 9°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late April until roughly late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Time your trip to Crooked Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The water borders Sylvania Wilderness, so expect the reserve rules to apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Jay Lake, 0.6 miles out. Check the position on Crooked Lake before loading the car.