Gale Lake Fishing near Howell, Michigan

• Overview

  Gale Lake lies in Livingston County, in Michigan. Elevation runs to 932 feet. It covers about 12 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. On size it sits at the modest end of our Livingston County list. Supplies mean a trip to Howell, 5 miles off. Pinckney lies 5.8 miles off, Brighton another 6.6 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Gale Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Livingston County include bluegill, largemouth bass and black crappie. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Gale Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 70°F for July and 22°F for January. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late March. The water is typically free of ice between late March and mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Gale Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Pardee Lake sits 0.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Gale Lake.