Fitzgerald Lake Fishing Guide, Presque Isle County, Michigan

• Overview

  This water sits in Presque Isle County, Michigan. The bank is 659 feet above sea level. Small at around 19 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Ground here is low by Michigan standards. Alpena is the closest place, 10 miles off. For a city, Greater Sudbury is 151 miles off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Fitzgerald Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Public occurrence data for Presque Isle County names rainbow smelt, alewife, bloater and lake whitefish. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fish Fitzgerald Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 67°F and January at 18°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It sets the rhythm of the year at Fitzgerald Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Long Lake, 1.7 miles out. The position on Fitzgerald Lake is worth confirming on the day.