Little Fawn Lake near Gaylord: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Otsego County, Little Fawn Lake is a Michigan water. Height above sea level is 1,266 feet. At 2 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. On size it sits at the modest end of our Otsego County list. Head to Gaylord, 8.7 miles away, for anything you forgot. For a city, Grand Rapids is 144 miles off. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Little Fawn Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Otsego County records list rock bass, white sucker, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Little Fawn Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 66°F and January reads 17°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Little Fawn Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Lake Arrowhead at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. For Little Fawn Lake in particular, ask before you travel.