Deer Lake near Harrison: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Michigan holds Deer Lake, in Clare County. Elevation runs to 1,086 feet. About 19 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Head to Harrison, 2.1 miles away, for anything you forgot. The big place round here is Grand Rapids, 86 miles distant. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Deer Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon, northern pike and black crappie. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Take Deer Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 68°F and January reads 18°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early April. On average, early April opens the water and early December closes it again. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Anyone fishing Deer Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Sutherland Lake, 0.7 miles away. For Deer Lake in particular, ask before you travel.