Hogback Lake in Oakland County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Michigan, Hogback Lake belongs to Oakland County. The water sits 1,017 feet up. With some 51 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The full circuit measures close to 1.4 miles on foot. Nearest place of any size is Clarkston, 4 miles away. Waterford is 5.3 miles away, with Holly at 7.6 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Hogback Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Oakland County include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Hogback Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 70°F and January about 22°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. The open-water window runs from around early April to about mid December in an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan any trip to Hogback Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. 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. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Shiawassee Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Treat Hogback Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.