Lantern Lake Fishing in Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  Within Oakland County, Michigan, you have Lantern Lake. It stands 974 feet above sea level. Small at around 3 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Oakland County. Auburn Hills lies 3.7 miles from the water. Then Pontiac, 3.9 miles, and Waterford, 5.4 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lantern Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Oakland County cover bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Lantern Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 22°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Open water usually runs from late March until about mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Lantern Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Hulbert Wildlife Sanctuary takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Lake Angelus is 1 mile off. For Lantern Lake in particular, ask before you travel.