South Black Lake Fishing in Kalkaska County, Michigan

• Overview

  Within Kalkaska County, Michigan, you have South Black Lake. It sits in mixed forest. At 8 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Some 11 miles away sits Grayling, the nearest settlement. The nearest city of size is Grand Rapids, 127 miles away. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on South Black Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name yellow perch, white sucker and rock bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish South Black Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 67°F, while January sits near 18°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On South Black Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Bear Lake Public Boat Launch gives a made launch, half a mile off. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Middle Black Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at South Black Lake are worth checking on the day.