Lime Lake Fishing in Branch County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Lime Lake falls inside Branch County. It stands 942 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 16 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Coldwater sits 5 miles from the bank. Bronson follows at 6.3 miles, then Union City at 10 miles. Other water within reach: Cooks Lake 1.1 miles off, Cary Lake some 1.7 miles off, Dorsey Lake 1.9 miles off, Bassett Lake some 2 miles off and Island Lake 2.1 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lime Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Branch County records list bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch among the fish reported. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. At Lime Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 71°F at the top of summer and 22°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late March. Averages suggest open water from about late March through to roughly mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Lime Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Cooks Lake, 1.1 miles away. Rules at Lime Lake are worth checking on the day.