Fishing Pike Lake in Hillsdale County, Michigan

• Overview

  Pike Lake stands in Hillsdale County, Michigan. The land about it is mixed forest. Small at around 20 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Reading is the closest place, 3.6 miles off. Beyond it, Hillsdale at 4.7 miles and Jonesville at 8.1 miles. Others within reach: Broom Lake about 0.3 miles, 0.4 miles away is Bear Lake Wilson about 0.8 miles, 1.4 miles away is Bankers Lake and King Lake about 3 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Pike Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Pike Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 71°F and January near 21°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late March. In an average year the thaw lands around late March and the freeze near mid December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. That is the shape of the year on Pike Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Launching is possible: a slipway lies half a mile off. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Broom Lake, 0.3 miles out. Ask locally about Pike Lake if anything is unclear.