Duck Lake Fishing near Cheboygan, Michigan

• Overview

  Duck Lake lies within the bounds of Cheboygan County, Michigan. The land about it is lake country bush. Around 26 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. For supplies, Cheboygan is 6.8 miles out. Beyond it, Indian River at 19 miles and Saint Ignace at 26 miles. Within a short run: Mud Lake just 0.7 miles, Lake Sixteen roughly 1.4 miles, Twin Lakes just 5.7 miles, Long Lake roughly 5.8 miles and Mud Lake just 8.1 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Duck Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Cheboygan County, recorded fish include yellow perch, rock bass, white sucker and smallmouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Duck Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 17°F to 67°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Break-up sits around mid April on average, with the water closing again about early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. At Duck Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 0.7 miles away. Where Duck Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.