Laurel Lake near Stambaugh, Iron River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Laurel Lake lies within the bounds of Iron County, Michigan. The surface lies 1,542 feet up. The water measures roughly 7 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is a small entry by Iron County standards. Stambaugh, Iron River is the closest place, 4 miles off. Iron River is 4.8 miles and Crystal Falls 15 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Laurel Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. 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. Iron County records list brown trout, yellow perch, northern pike and walleye among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Laurel Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 9°F and July at about 65°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Plan around that when you fish Laurel Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This lies within protected land, so the rules will be stricter than usual. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Mud Lake, 1.4 miles out. Check the position at Laurel Lake before loading the car.