Fishing at Little African Lake, Gogebic County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Little African Lake falls inside Gogebic County. Country round the bank runs to pine and birch. Surface area runs to about 22 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is high ground by Michigan standards. For supplies, Eagle River is 24 miles out. It is 137 miles to Green Bay, the nearest city. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Little African Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Gogebic County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Little African Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 65°F and January about 9°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Little African Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Launch at Clearwater Lake Boat Launch, half a mile from the water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Big African Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. What applies at Little African Lake may have changed since it was mapped.