Tear Lake Fishing near Hancock, Michigan

• Overview

  Tear Lake lies in Houghton County, Michigan. It sits in pine and birch. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Hancock lies 6.8 miles from the water. Thunder Bay sits 86 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Within easy reach: Bear Lake a shade over 3.8 miles, Lake Annie sits 4 miles out, Boston Lake a shade over 6.9 miles, Obenhoff Lake sits 7.3 miles out and Huron Lake a shade over 8 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Tear Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. County-wide records name rainbow smelt, bloater, cisco and yellow perch. The county list is broader than any single water. Tear Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 15°F in January up to 64°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Tear Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Bear Lake, 3.8 miles away. Where Tear Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.