Lake Thirteen near Clare: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Thirteen lies within the bounds of Clare County, Michigan. The water sits 912 feet up. The water covers some 95 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The bank runs about 1.7 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. On our Clare County list it sits near the top for size. Clare sits 5.4 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Harrison is 11 miles away, with Coleman at 15 miles.

• Where to Fish on Lake Thirteen

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Clare County include bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon and northern pike. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Lake Thirteen a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 19°F to 69°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan around that when you fish Lake Thirteen.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Otter Lake, 0.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Lake Thirteen.