Little Joe Lake Fishing in Montmorency County, Michigan

• Overview

  Montmorency County, Michigan, is where Little Joe Lake sits. Land around it is lake country bush. At roughly 12 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Start from Lewiston, 22 miles down the road. Indian River is 24 miles and Gaylord 25 miles. Also worth knowing: Bear Den Lake just 0.6 miles, Horsehead Lake 0.9 miles, Wildfowl Lake just 1 mile, Lake Geneva 1.1 miles and Virginia Lake just 1.9 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Little Joe Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Reported across Montmorency County: largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Take Little Joe Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 67°F and January reads 17°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near early December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Little Joe Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A ramp is mapped within half a mile. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Bear Den Lake, 0.6 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Little Joe Lake.