Fishing Mud Lake in Kent County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Mud Lake falls inside Kent County. The water sits 745 feet up. At 10 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. You are 2.7 miles from Belmont. Comstock Park lies 4.3 miles off, Northview another 4.5 miles. Within a short run: Elk Lake (0.2 miles), Little Pine Island Lake near enough 0.4 miles, Mirror Lake (0.5 miles), Mead Lake near enough 0.9 miles and Duck Lake (0.9 miles). One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Records held for Kent County cover bluegill, rock bass and johnny darter. The county list is broader than any single water. The near bank of Mud Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 70°F for July and 22°F for January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. On Mud Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Elk Lake, 0.2 miles out. The position on Mud Lake is worth confirming on the day.