South Lake near Jackson: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Jackson County, Michigan, this is South Lake. The ground around here is rolling bush. At 12 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Jackson is the closest town at 8 miles. Further out sit Spring Arbor (8.5 miles) and Leslie (9.8 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on South Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Across Jackson County, recorded fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and northern pike. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. At South Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 71°F in July and bottoms out near 22°F in January. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Average temperatures cross freezing around late March in spring and again near mid December in autumn. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. That is the shape of the year on South Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. The nearest alternative is North Lake, 0.2 miles out. Check the position on South Lake before loading the car.