Fishing at South Twin Lake, Otsego County, Michigan

• Overview

  Otsego County in Michigan is where South Twin Lake sits. Land around it is lake country bush. At 4 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Our Otsego County list holds plenty of bigger water. For supplies, Gaylord is 17 miles out. Indian River follows at 19 miles, then Lewiston at 21 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on South Twin Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Otsego County include rock bass, white sucker and largemouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On South Twin Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 67°F in July and bottoms out near 17°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around early December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on South Twin Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Parking is mapped about 120 yards from the bank. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, North Twin Lake is 0.1 miles off. Check the position on South Twin Lake before loading the car.