Fishing Lime Lake in Leelanau County, Michigan

• Overview

  Set in Leelanau County, Lime Lake is a Michigan water. Elevation runs to 607 feet. This is sizeable water at about 664 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. With 4.3 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. It is among the larger waters listed here for Leelanau County. The closest town, Greilickville, is 13 miles distant. Traverse City is 14 miles away, with Elk Rapids at 21 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lime Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Leelanau County include alewife, rock bass and yellow perch. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. At Lime Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 68°F and January near 21°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Expect Lime Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is a ramp at Lime Lake Boat Launch, half a mile out. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. The water borders Pat's Preserve, so expect the reserve rules to apply. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Treat access at Lime Lake as something to verify.