Ishkote Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Michigan holds Ishkote Lake, in Gogebic County. It lies 1,736 feet above sea level. At 16 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is high ground by Michigan standards. The nearest town is Iron River, 17 miles away. Stambaugh, Iron River is 18 miles and Eagle River 19 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Ishkote Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and white sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. At Ishkote Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 65°F for July and 9°F for January. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Ishkote Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Elk Lake, 0.4 miles away. For Ishkote Lake in particular, ask before you travel.