Rainbow Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Rainbow Lake falls in Lake County, part of Michigan. The surface lies 823 feet up. Roughly 44 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. On our Lake County list it sits near the top for size. You are 7 miles from Baldwin. Grand Rapids is the closest city, 63 miles away. Within a short drive: Reed Lake out at 0.1 miles, Orchard Lake at about 0.4 miles, Honeymoon Lake out at 0.6 miles, Shonenya Lake at about 0.6 miles and Oxbow Lake out at 0.7 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Rainbow Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Lake County include rainbow trout, brook trout, white sucker and bluegill. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Rainbow Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 20°F in January up to 69°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count the season from break-up, usually early April. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. That shapes the year on Rainbow Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Launching is at Reed Lake Boat Launch, about half a mile away. The water borders Reed Lake Boating Access Site, so reserve rules are likely to apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Reed Lake, 0.1 miles away. Check the position at Rainbow Lake before loading the car.