Hog Lake in Hillsdale County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Hog Lake in the Hillsdale County part of Michigan. The country here is mixed forest. Surface area runs to about 8 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Hillsdale County are larger. 5.2 miles away sits Reading, the nearest town. It is 57 miles to Ann Arbor, the nearest city. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Hog Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and warmouth. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Hog Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 71°F, the coldest about 21°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late March. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late March and starts locking again about mid December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. That shapes the year on Hog Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, South Sand Lake is 2.1 miles distant. Confirm access to Hog Lake locally before you travel.