Fishing at Hidden Lake, Livingston County, Michigan

• Overview

  Set in Livingston County, Michigan, this is Hidden Lake. It stands 843 feet above sea level. Roughly 45 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. About 1.3 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. Argentine sits 5.7 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The nearest city of size is Lansing, 32 miles away. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Hidden Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Livingston County include bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie and pink salmon. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Hidden Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 21°F in January and 70°F in July. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early April. 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. Hidden Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Indian Lake at 1.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Hidden Lake.