Fishing Lifter Lake in Mecosta County, Michigan

• Overview

  Lifter Lake is listed under Mecosta County, Michigan. Elevation runs to 1,099 feet. It covers about 12 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Nearest place of any size is Evart, 7 miles away. The big place round here is Grand Rapids, 62 miles distant. Water in the same corner: Rattail Lakes 1 mile away, Town Line Lake at 1 mile, Negaunee Lake 1.4 miles away, Browns Lake at 1.5 miles and Emerald Lake 1.6 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lifter Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Mecosta County include bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass and black crappie. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read Lifter Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 68°F and January about 19°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about mid December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Plan around that when you fish Lifter Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. 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 the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Rattail Lakes sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. Where Lifter Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.