Matchett Lake near Charlevoix: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Charlevoix County in Michigan is where Matchett Lake sits. Around the bank it is rolling bush. With some 35 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Around 0.9 miles of margin, front to back. The nearest place of any size is Charlevoix, 7.4 miles away. After that come East Jordan at 9.7 miles and Boyne City at 14 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Matchett Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Charlevoix County include rainbow smelt, alewife, shortjaw cisco, bloater and shortnose cisco. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Matchett Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 20°F in January to roughly 67°F in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Look for the thaw near mid April; the fishing lifts straight after. Open water usually runs from mid April until about mid December. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Matchett Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Cunningham Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Matchett Lake for certain.