Manito Lake in Oakland County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Oakland County in Michigan is where Manito Lake sits. It sits in mixed forest. The water covers some 123 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. It ranks high for size among our Oakland County listings. Lake Orion is the closest town at 1.2 miles. Then Oxford, 2 miles, and Auburn Hills, 7.6 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Manito Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Oakland County include bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Manito Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 22°F and July at about 70°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. The season between ice runs from about early April to mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Manito Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Howell Lake, 0.5 miles away. Treat Manito Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.