Fishing at Pleiness Lake, Mason County, Michigan

• Overview

  Pleiness Lake stands in Mason County, Michigan. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. Roughly 98 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The full circuit measures close to 1.7 miles on foot. The closest town, Scottville, is 6.8 miles distant. The nearest city of size is Grand Rapids, 68 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Pleiness Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Species logged across Mason County include rainbow smelt, alewife, bloater and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Pleiness Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 69°F; the cold one sits at 21°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. The open-water window runs from around early April to about mid December in an average year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan any trip to Pleiness Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Stewart Lake, 0.7 miles out. Ask locally about Pleiness Lake if anything is unclear.