Nelson Lake near Iron River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Iron County, Michigan, you have Nelson Lake. The surroundings are lake country bush. It measures about 34 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It is high ground by Michigan standards. The nearest town is Iron River, 8.3 miles away. Stambaugh, Iron River follows at 9.2 miles, then Crystal Falls at 23 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Iron County records list brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike among the fish reported. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. The shape of Nelson Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 65°F and January at 9°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late April. The water is typically free of ice between late April and late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on Nelson Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Fern Lake is 0.4 miles off. Check the position on Nelson Lake before loading the car.