Fishing at Jackson Lake, Chippewa County, Michigan

• Overview

  Michigan holds Jackson Lake, in Chippewa County. It sits at 610 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 11 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Michigan listings. For supplies, Thessalon is 22 miles out. Cheboygan lies 39 miles off, Rogers City another 39 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Jackson 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. Chippewa County records list rainbow smelt, bloater, lake whitefish and alewife among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Jackson Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 66°F on average, January about 16°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It sets the rhythm of the year at Jackson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Jones Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing on Jackson Lake should be assumed from this page alone.