East Soldier Lake in Chippewa County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Michigan, East Soldier Lake belongs to Chippewa County. The bank is 876 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 9 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Our Chippewa County list holds plenty of bigger water. Nearest town is Sault Ste. Marie, 26 miles off. The nearest city of size is Greater Sudbury, 185 miles away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on East Soldier Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Chippewa County include rainbow smelt, bloater, lake whitefish, alewife and lake trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Treat East Soldier Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 64°F and January about 14°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. On average, late April opens the water and early December closes it again. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to East Soldier Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Soldier Lake, 0.4 miles out. Nothing on East Soldier Lake should be assumed from this page alone.