Fishing at Hoppy Lake, Ogemaw County, Michigan

• Overview

  Michigan holds Hoppy Lake, in Ogemaw County. The water sits 837 feet up. Sand Lake at 14 miles is the nearest place to stop. Mio lies 18 miles off, Tawas City another 22 miles. Also worth knowing: Jose Lake within 1.4 miles, Chain Lakes at about 1.7 miles, Alice Lake within 1.8 miles, Catherine Lake at about 1.9 miles and Grassy Lake within 2.7 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Hoppy Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Ogemaw County include bluegill, rock bass, pink salmon, largemouth bass and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Hoppy Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 68°F and January near 18°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Hoppy Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Jose Lake sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Hoppy Lake if anything is unclear.