Horton Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Oakland County in Michigan is where Horton Lake sits. The land about it is rolling bush. About 17 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Holly lies 4.7 miles from the water. Sterling Heights is the closest city, 33 miles away. Other water nearby: Holdridge Lakes at 1.4 miles, Little Lake just 1.5 miles, Simpson Lake at 1.6 miles, Strawberry Lake just 1.6 miles and Lake Hope at 1.7 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Horton Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Species logged across Oakland County include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Horton Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 70°F, the coldest about 22°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. The lid tends to go about early April and return around mid December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. On Horton Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. A pier half a mile from here gives a platform over deeper water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Holdridge Lakes is 1.4 miles off. Check the position at Horton Lake before loading the car.