McConachie Lake in Livingston County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  McConachie Lake lies within the bounds of Livingston County, Michigan. Elevation runs to 896 feet. Roughly 25 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The closest town, Stockbridge, is 2.7 miles away. Ann Arbor is the closest city, 23 miles away. Others worth noting: Sharp Lake 0.6 miles away, McIntyre Lake out at 0.7 miles, Avery Lake 1.3 miles away, Williamsville Lake out at 1.4 miles and Ellsworth Lake 2.1 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on McConachie Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Livingston County include bluegill, largemouth bass and black crappie. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. McConachie Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 71°F; by January the average is down near 22°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Once it clears, about late March, the fishing comes on quickly. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It holds true on McConachie Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Sharp Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at McConachie Lake carry more weight than any list.