Mayville Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Mayville Lake stands in Kalkaska County, Michigan. The bank is 1,017 feet above sea level. This is a tiny water, and one quiet approach covers all of it. Most waters listed here for Kalkaska County are larger. Start from Mancelona, 3.9 miles down the road. The big place round here is Grand Rapids, 135 miles distant. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Mayville Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Kalkaska County records list yellow perch, white sucker, rock bass and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Mayville Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 19°F in January up to 67°F in July. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near early December in autumn. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan around that when you fish Mayville Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Green Lake is 0.6 miles off. For Mayville Lake in particular, ask before you travel.