Fishing Murray Lake in Washtenaw County, Michigan

• Overview

  Murray Lake is set in Washtenaw County, Michigan. It sits in mixed forest country. The water measures roughly 18 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Ypsilanti sits 6 miles from the bank. Ann Arbor is the closest city, 8.1 miles away. Neighbouring water: 0.4 miles out stands Frain Lake, Ford Lake about 7.6 miles, 7.9 miles out stands Tobin Lake, Barton Pond about 8 miles and 8.5 miles out stands Phoenix Lake. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Murray Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass and black crappie. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Murray Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 23°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. On average, late March opens the water and mid December closes it again. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Expect Murray Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. There is a jetty 90 yards off, worth knowing on a busy day. Kosch-Headwaters Preserve takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Frain Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat Murray Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.