Lake Lorraine near Ferrysburg: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Ottawa County, Lake Lorraine is a Michigan water. Elevation runs to 620 feet. It lies lower than most water we list in Michigan. The closest town, Ferrysburg, is 2.5 miles away. Fruitport lies 2.8 miles off, Spring Lake another 3 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water. Around three months of sub-zero averages set the rhythm of the year.

• Where to Fish on Lake Lorraine

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Ottawa County records list gizzard shad, common carp, alewife, bluegill and yellow perch among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Lake Lorraine rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 24°F in January up to 71°F in July. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late March and starts locking again about late December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Time your trip to Lake Lorraine by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Little Black Lake, 1.9 miles away. The position on Lake Lorraine is worth confirming on the day.