Fishing at Gulick Lake, Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  Oakland County in Michigan is where Gulick Lake sits. Land around it is pine and birch. At 13 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The nearest place of any size is Clarkston, 1.2 miles away. Then Waterford, 2.5 miles, and Pontiac, 8.1 miles. Nearby, in order: Spring Lake just 0.6 miles, Parke Lake 1.2 miles away, Dollar Lake just 1.3 miles, Townsend Lake 1.4 miles away and Middle Lake just 1.4 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Gulick Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Records held for Oakland County cover bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. The county list is broader than any single water. At Gulick Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 71°F and January near 22°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. Averages suggest open water from about late March through to roughly mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On Gulick Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A protected area covers this ground, which usually means restrictions on access. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Spring Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Gulick Lake.