South Lake Fishing Guide, Clare County, Michigan

• Overview

  South Lake belongs to Clare County, Michigan. The ground round it is rolling bush. Surface area runs to about 17 acres — small enough to read in one session. Start from Clare, 3.7 miles down the road. Beyond it, Harrison at 10 miles and Coleman at 13 miles. Within a short drive: Gut Lake lies 1.7 miles on, Otter Lake at 2.5 miles, Loon Lake lies 2.6 miles on, Lake Shamrock at 3.2 miles and Lake Thirteen lies 3.4 miles on. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on South Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Clare County records list bluegill, largemouth bass and pink salmon among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. South Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 19°F and July at about 69°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan any trip to South Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Gut Lake, 1.7 miles away. None of that is settled for South Lake in what we hold.