Gourd Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Gourd Lake stands in Oakland County, Michigan. Height above sea level is 1,033 feet. Milford lies 5.9 miles from the water. Holly follows at 8 miles, then Fenton at 9.3 miles. In the same area: Charlick Lake near enough 0.2 miles, Tomahawk Lake 0.4 miles off, Woodruff Lake near enough 0.4 miles, Peninsula Lake 0.5 miles off and Murray Lake near enough 1 mile. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Gourd Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Across Oakland County, recorded fish include bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Gourd Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 70°F; the cold one sits at 22°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Gourd Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Charlick Lake sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. For Gourd Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.