Fishing at Peterson Lake, Iosco County, Michigan

• Overview

  Peterson Lake lies within the bounds of Iosco County, Michigan. Elevation runs to 909 feet. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Sand Lake lies 12 miles from the water. Lansing is the closest city, 122 miles away. Also worth knowing: Secord Lake roughly 1 mile, Dollar Lake 1.1 miles off, North Dease Lake roughly 1.4 miles, Mud Lake 1.4 miles off and Long Lake roughly 1.4 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Peterson Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Iosco County, recorded fish include rock bass, bluegill, pink salmon, largemouth bass and northern pike. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Peterson Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 18°F and July at about 68°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. From about early April to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Plan any trip to Peterson Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Secord Lake, 1 mile away, makes the obvious fallback. For Peterson Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.