Headquarters Lake Fishing near Prudenville, Michigan

• Overview

  The Roscommon County entry here is Headquarters Lake, in Michigan. It stands 1,253 feet above sea level. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Some 5.9 miles away sits Prudenville, the nearest settlement. Houghton Lake is 11 miles away, with Saint Helen at 13 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Headquarters Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Across Roscommon County, recorded fish include rock bass, yellow perch and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. Fish Headquarters Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 67°F, the coldest about 18°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly early December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Headquarters Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Little Headquarters Lake, 0.3 miles out. For Headquarters Lake in particular, ask before you travel.