Mud Lake Fishing near Sand Lake, Michigan

• Overview

  Mud Lake lies in Iosco County, in Michigan. Elevation runs to 837 feet. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Iosco County. The nearest place of any size is Sand Lake, 9 miles away. Further out sit Tawas City (18 miles) and East Tawas (18 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Iosco County include rock bass, bluegill and pink salmon. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Mud Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 18°F in January up to 68°F in July. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Ice-out usually falls in early April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at mid December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. At Mud Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. There is a pier recorded roughly 110 yards away. The water borders Loon Lake Nature Park, so expect the reserve rules to apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Loon Lake is 0.8 miles distant. For Mud Lake in particular, ask before you travel.