Patterson Lake Fishing near Pinckney, Michigan

• Overview

  Within Livingston County, Michigan, you have Patterson Lake. It sits in pine and birch. It measures about 156 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The bank runs about 2.2 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Size puts it in the front rank of our Livingston County list. For a base, Pinckney sits 4.4 miles out. Stockbridge is 7.9 miles away, with Chelsea at 7.9 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Patterson Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Livingston County include bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie and pink salmon. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Patterson Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 22°F and July at about 70°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late March. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about mid December. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. That is the shape of the year on Patterson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. There is a marina, N & K Marine, half a mile away. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Portage Creek, 0.4 miles out. Check the position on Patterson Lake before loading the car.