Edging Lake Fishing near Scottville, Michigan

• Overview

  Look for Edging Lake in Mason County, Michigan. It sits in mixed forest. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Mason County standards. 9.6 miles away sits Scottville, the nearest town. Grand Rapids sits 81 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Edging Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Mason County, recorded fish include rainbow smelt, alewife, bloater and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Edging Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 21°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count the season from break-up, usually early April. The open-water window runs from around early April to about mid December in an average year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Edging Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Alma Lake, 0.4 miles out. Check the position at Edging Lake before loading the car.