Third Lake Fishing near West Ishpeming, Michigan

• Overview

  Third Lake falls in Marquette County, part of Michigan. Height above sea level is 1,493 feet. Small at around 21 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Compared with other Michigan water on our list, it sits high. For a base, West Ishpeming sits 13 miles out. The nearest city of size is Green Bay, 128 miles away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Third Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. County-wide records name white sucker, yellow perch and rainbow smelt. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Anyone new to Third Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 64°F and January about 11°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late November in autumn. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Third Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Donaldson Lake, 0.4 miles away. Check the position on Third Lake before loading the car.