Fishing at Lake George, Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Oakland County end of Michigan holds Lake George. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. Small at around 16 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Nearest town is Oxford, 6 miles off. The nearest city of size is Sterling Heights, 21 miles away. Also within reach: Wolf Lake out at 0.7 miles, Loon Lake sits 0.9 miles out, Mud Lake out at 1 mile, Slating Lake sits 1.4 miles out and Clack Lake out at 1.4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lake George

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Oakland County records list bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass among the fish reported. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. The shape of Lake George rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 22°F and July at about 70°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake George.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Lake George Nature Park runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Wolf Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Lake George for certain.