Fishing at Honeywell Lake, Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  Honeywell Lake falls in Oakland County, part of Michigan. It lies 978 feet above sea level. At roughly 14 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Milford lies 2.3 miles from the water. Ann Arbor is the closest city, 24 miles away. Also within reach: Rowe Lake at about 0.6 miles, Sears Lake a shade over 1.2 miles, Phillip Lake at about 1.6 miles, Moore Lake a shade over 1.9 miles and Lower Pettibone Lake at about 2 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Honeywell Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Oakland County records list bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The near bank of Honeywell Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 71°F and January near 22°F on the long-run figures. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. After early April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Climate averages put the opening at about early April and the closing near mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It sets the rhythm of the year at Honeywell Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Rowe Lake is 0.6 miles off. Treat access at Honeywell Lake as something to verify.