Lake of the Woods Fishing near Decatur, Michigan

• Overview

  Lake of the Woods stands in Van Buren County, Michigan. Land around it is mixed forest. Surface area runs to roughly 296 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. With 3.3 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. It is among the larger waters listed here for Van Buren County. Decatur is the closest place, 1.1 miles off. Lawton is 8.6 miles and Paw Paw 9.1 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Woods

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Public occurrence data for Van Buren County names bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Work Lake of the Woods in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 72°F and January about 23°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Once it clears, about late March, the fishing comes on quickly. The water is typically free of ice between late March and mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Lake of the Woods more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Pickerel Lake at 2.2 miles is the nearest alternative. What applies at Lake of the Woods may have changed since it was mapped.