Smith Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Michigan, Smith Lake falls inside Kalkaska County. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and birch. The water measures roughly 8 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The closest town, Mancelona, is 4.5 miles distant. The big place round here is Grand Rapids, 135 miles distant. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Reported across Kalkaska County: yellow perch, white sucker, rock bass and largemouth bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Smith Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 67°F and January at 19°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly early December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Time your trip to Smith Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Browning Lake sits 0.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Smith Lake locally before you travel.