Michigamme Reservoir in Iron County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Iron County, Michigan, you have Michigamme Reservoir. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. At roughly 8.5 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The perimeter is close to 68 miles, and wind can be flat in one arm and rough in the next. Nothing else we list in Iron County covers more water. Crystal Falls is the closest town at 7.7 miles. Beyond it, Stambaugh, Iron River at 21 miles and Iron River at 21 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Michigamme Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Open biodiversity records for Iron County list brown trout, yellow perch, northern pike and walleye. The county list is broader than any single water. On Michigamme Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 65°F and January at 10°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. Averages place the thaw at late April and the freeze at late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Michigamme Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. North Deerskin Lake at 1.3 miles is the sensible second choice. For Michigamme Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.