Fishing at Railroad Lake, Newaygo County, Michigan

• Overview

  Railroad Lake is a Newaygo County water, Michigan side. The country round it is pine and birch from end to end. The water measures roughly 7 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Newaygo County. Nearest town is Baldwin, 10 miles off. For a city, Grand Rapids is 55 miles off. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Railroad Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Newaygo County cover largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, johnny darter and white sucker. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. The near bank of Railroad Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 68°F and January at 20°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Railroad Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Woods Lake sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Railroad Lake before loading the car.