Fishing Thornton Lake in Alger County, Michigan

• Overview

  You will find Thornton Lake in Alger County, Michigan. This is pine and birch country. At about 30 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Munising lies 12 miles from the water. Manistique is 27 miles and Gladstone 33 miles. Near neighbours include: Moccasin Lake at about 0.6 miles, Snipe Lake 1.1 miles away, Town Lake at about 1.2 miles, Scout Lake 1.2 miles away and Carp Lake at about 1.5 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Thornton Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Public occurrence data for Alger County names yellow perch, rainbow smelt, northern pike and white sucker. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Thornton Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 15°F in January up to 65°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Thornton Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. 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. Moccasin Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Thornton Lake.