Fishing Porcupine Lake in Gogebic County, Michigan

• Overview

  In Michigan, Porcupine Lake falls inside Gogebic County. Land around it is rolling bush. At about 32 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Michigan listings. Eagle River at 24 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Green Bay, 134 miles distant. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Porcupine Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Gogebic County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Porcupine Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in July and bottom out at 9°F in January. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late April. Break-up sits around late April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. On Porcupine Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Trail Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Porcupine Lake is worth confirming on the day.