Lombard Lake Fishing near Manitou Beach-Devils Lake, Michigan

• Overview

  Look for Lombard Lake in Hillsdale County, Michigan. What surrounds it is pine and birch. Around 134 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. With 5.1 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. On our Hillsdale County list it sits near the top for size. Manitou Beach-Devils Lake lies 7.1 miles from the water. Brooklyn is 9.4 miles and Vandercook Lake 11 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lombard Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Hillsdale County records list bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Lombard Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 71°F at the top of summer and 22°F at the bottom of winter. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late March. The season between ice runs from about late March to mid December. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It holds true on Lombard Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Moon Lake at 0.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Where Lombard Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.