Fishing at Endicott Lake, Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  This water sits in Oakland County, Michigan. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. About 15 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. 1.4 miles away sits Bloomfield Hills, the nearest town. The big place round here is Sterling Heights, 11 miles distant. Also worth knowing: Cranbrook Lake sits 0.7 miles out, Vhay Lake lies 1.6 miles on, Gilbert Lake sits 2.2 miles out, Orange Lake lies 2.7 miles on and Minnow Lake sits 2.8 miles out. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Endicott Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Species logged across Oakland County include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Take Endicott Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 24°F in January and 73°F in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. Climate averages put the opening at about late March and the closing near late December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Endicott Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Somewhere to sit and eat is 0.9 miles out. A toilet block sits 0.9 miles away. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. For a change of water, Cranbrook Lake is 0.7 miles distant. Check the position at Endicott Lake before loading the car.