Papoose Lake in Crawford County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find Papoose Lake in Crawford County, Michigan. The water sits 1,214 feet up. At roughly 17 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The closest town, Mancelona, is 9.5 miles away. Beyond it, Kalkaska at 13 miles and Grayling at 14 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here. Ground round the water is mixed, open in parts and thick in others.

• Where to Fish on Papoose Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Crawford County: white sucker, rock bass and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Papoose Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 67°F and January about 18°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to early December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Papoose Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Papoose Lake Boat Launch is the mapped launch, some 140 yards from here. The nearest car park is 170 yards from the water. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Deadmans Lake is 0.6 miles distant. For Papoose Lake in particular, ask before you travel.