Nicholas Lake near Bangor: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Van Buren County, Michigan, sits Nicholas Lake. It sits at 705 feet above sea level. Small at around 11 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Van Buren County are larger. Bangor sits 5.4 miles from the bank. Hartford is 6.3 miles away, with Paw Paw at 8.7 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Nicholas Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Van Buren County include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, pink salmon and black crappie. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Nicholas Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 71°F at the top of summer and 23°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late March. Average temperatures cross freezing around late March in spring and again near late December in autumn. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. That is the shape of the year on Nicholas Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Carroll Lake, 1.1 miles away. Treat access at Nicholas Lake as something to verify.