Harris Lake Fishing near Pontiac, Michigan

• Overview

  Set in Oakland County, Michigan, this is Harris Lake. The setting is rolling bush on every side. Small at around 8 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Our Oakland County list holds plenty of bigger water. Pontiac lies 1.2 miles from the water. The big place round here is Sterling Heights, 14 miles distant. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Harris Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Harris Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 72°F and January near 23°F on the long-run figures. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. Averages suggest open water from about late March through to roughly mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. That shapes the year on Harris Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Terry Lake, 0.5 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the current arrangement for Harris Lake.