Fishing Lacore Lake in Hillsdale County, Michigan

• Overview

  Look for Lacore Lake in the Hillsdale County part of Michigan. The surface lies 1,112 feet up. At roughly 18 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The closest town, Jonesville, is 2.4 miles away. For a city, Ann Arbor is 50 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple. It gives up fish to patience rather than to gear.

• Where to Fish on Lacore Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Hillsdale County cover bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Lacore Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 71°F in July and bottom out at 22°F in January. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. The season on Lacore Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Half Moon Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Lacore Lake carry more weight than any list.