De Cheau Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Montmorency County entry here is De Cheau Lake, in Michigan. It lies 912 feet above sea level. It measures about 40 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The whole outline is near 1.5 miles, and most of it is walkable. The closest town, Lewiston, is 12 miles distant. Gaylord is 24 miles away, with Mio at 27 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on De Cheau Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, rock bass and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On De Cheau Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 67°F and January near 17°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. De Cheau Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Launch at DeCheau Lake Boat Launch, half a mile from the water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Bear Lake, 2.5 miles out. Check the position on De Cheau Lake before loading the car.