Laughing Whitefish Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Laughing Whitefish Lake lies in Alger County, Michigan. It lies 827 feet above sea level. With some 69 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Shoreline comes to about 2.1 miles, small enough to learn in a day. On our Alger County list it sits near the top for size. Harvey lies 16 miles from the water. K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base follows at 17 miles, then Munising at 19 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Laughing Whitefish Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Alger County include yellow perch, rainbow smelt and northern pike. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Laughing Whitefish Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 64°F; the cold one sits at 17°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at early December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish Laughing Whitefish Lake.

• 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. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Silver Lake, 1.4 miles away. Confirm access to Laughing Whitefish Lake locally before you travel.