Pathic Lake in Houghton County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pathic Lake stands in Houghton County, Michigan. The water sits 1,529 feet up. At roughly 18 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is high ground by Michigan standards. You are 23 miles from Iron River. Green Bay is the closest city, 135 miles away. Not far off: Muffle Lake near enough 0.6 miles, Gabbit Lake (1 mile), Lake On-Three near enough 1.2 miles, Glare Lake (1.4 miles) and Glitter Lake near enough 1.6 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Pathic Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Houghton County include rainbow smelt, bloater, cisco and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The near bank of Pathic Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 64°F in July and bottoms out near 10°F in January. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near late April and comes back about late November in a typical year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Time your trip to Pathic Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Muffle Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. For Pathic Lake in particular, ask before you travel.