Snipe Lake Fishing Guide, Iron County, Michigan

• Overview

  Snipe Lake is listed under Iron County, Michigan. It lies 1,545 feet above sea level. The water covers some 63 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The full circuit measures close to 1.2 miles on foot. Compared with other Michigan water on our list, it sits high. The town to know is Iron River, 3.8 miles out. Stambaugh, Iron River follows at 3.8 miles, then Crystal Falls at 18 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Snipe Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Iron County include brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Snipe Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 10°F in January to roughly 65°F in July. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Snipe Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Stanley Lake Boat Launch sits about half a mile away and carries the launch. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Stanley Lake at 0.8 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Snipe Lake are worth checking on the day.