Otter Lake near Keego Harbor: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Otter Lake is one of the Oakland County listings for Michigan. This is lake country bush country. It measures about 222 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Few waters listed in Oakland County are bigger. For supplies, Keego Harbor is 1.4 miles out. The nearest city of size is Sterling Heights, 17 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Otter Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Oakland County, recorded fish include bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Otter Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 22°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late March. The open-water window runs from around late March to about mid December in an average year. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan any trip to Otter Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. A rest area sits about half a mile from the water. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Sylvan Lake, 0.6 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Otter Lake.