Springwood Lakes Fishing near Harrison, Michigan

• Overview

  Springwood Lakes lies in Clare County, Michigan. The bank is 971 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 64 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The edge runs 1.8 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Supplies mean a trip to Harrison, 5.4 miles off. Beyond it, Gladwin at 10 miles and Beaverton at 14 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Springwood Lakes

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Clare County include bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon and northern pike. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Springwood Lakes decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 18°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Springwood Lakes fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Dodge Lake, 1.3 miles out. Signs at Springwood Lakes carry more weight than any list.