Hemlock Lake Fishing in Branch County, Michigan

• Overview

  Set in Branch County, Michigan, this is Hemlock Lake. The setting is lake country bush. It measures about 155 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Bank access stretches around 2.3 miles in total. On our Branch County list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Reading, is 4.5 miles distant. After that come Quincy at 5.8 miles and Hillsdale at 8.5 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Hemlock Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Public occurrence data for Branch County names bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch and black crappie. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Hemlock Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 71°F on average, January about 22°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. Climate figures give an open season running late March to mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. The season on Hemlock Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is a ramp at Hemlock Lake Public Boat Launch, half a mile out. 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. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Carpenter Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Hemlock Lake locally before you travel.