Simpson Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Simpson Lake is one of the Oakland County listings for Michigan. Height above sea level is 955 feet. This is a pocket water of some 12 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. The nearest town is Holly, 4.9 miles away. Ortonville is 5.5 miles away, with Goodrich at 6.4 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Simpson Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Oakland County, recorded fish include bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Take Simpson Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 70°F for July and 22°F for January. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Look for the thaw near early April; the fishing lifts straight after. The open-water window runs from around early April to about mid December in an average year. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. At Simpson Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. A boat ramp sits about half a mile from the water. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Stewart Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Simpson Lake before loading the car.