Straits Lake near Munising: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Straits Lake is an Alger County water, in Michigan. This is mixed forest ground. The water covers some 192 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The perimeter runs near 3.9 miles, so plan the walk before you start. On our Alger County list it sits near the top for size. 16 miles away sits Munising, the nearest town. Further out sit Manistique (23 miles) and Gladstone (30 miles). You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Straits Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Alger County: yellow perch, rainbow smelt and northern pike. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Treat Straits Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 15°F in January to roughly 65°F in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and early December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan any trip to Straits Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Little Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat access at Straits Lake as something to verify.