Fishing Sand Lake in Clare County, Michigan

• Overview

  Sand Lake lies in Clare County, Michigan. It stands 1,010 feet above sea level. At roughly 24 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Harrison, 3.9 miles off. Gladwin lies 12 miles off, Clare another 14 miles. Others worth noting: Dodge Lake at about 0.4 miles, Icehouse Lake about 0.4 miles, Haven Lake at about 0.6 miles, Townline Lake about 0.7 miles and Canada Lake at about 0.7 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Sand Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish documented in Clare County include bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon, northern pike and black crappie. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fish Sand Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 18°F in January to roughly 68°F in July. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Sand Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Dodge Lake, 0.4 miles out. Ask locally about Sand Lake if anything is unclear.