Fishing at Little Crotched Lake, Oakland County, Michigan

• Overview

  Little Crotched Lake sits within Oakland County in Michigan. The setting is mixed forest on every side. Around 28 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Roughly 2.4 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. The town to know is Holly, 2.5 miles out. Sterling Heights is the closest city, 33 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Little Crotched Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Oakland County cover bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Read Little Crotched Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 70°F, while January sits near 22°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It sets the rhythm of the year at Little Crotched Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. You can launch: the ramp is half a mile away. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. Facilities include toilets around 0.9 miles from here. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Crotched Lake is 0.2 miles distant. Rules at Little Crotched Lake are worth checking on the day.