Rienstein Lake Fishing Guide, Oscoda County, Michigan

• Overview

  Rienstein Lake lies in Oscoda County, Michigan. It stands 932 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 20 acres — small enough to read in one session. The nearest place of any size is Mio, 16 miles away. Further out sit Hubbard Lake (18 miles) and Lewiston (21 miles). Also within reach: Mud Lake at 2.5 miles, McCollum Lake just 2.7 miles, Lost Lakes at 3.3 miles, Cranberry Lake just 3.5 miles and Little Ward Lake at 3.9 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Rienstein Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish documented in Oscoda County include largemouth bass, white sucker, bluegill, brown trout and yellow perch. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Rienstein Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 17°F in January and 67°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Rienstein Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Mud Lake, 2.5 miles out. Ask locally about Rienstein Lake if anything is unclear.