Dollar Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Michigan holds Dollar Lake, in Clare County. It sits at 1,086 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 2 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Clare County. The closest town, Harrison, is 11 miles distant. Beyond it, Clare at 11 miles and Evart at 15 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Dollar Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Clare County records list bluegill, largemouth bass and pink salmon among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Dollar Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 19°F to 68°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Dollar Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Dollar Lake Hunt Club covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Townline Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Dollar Lake are worth checking on the day.