Tobey Lake Fishing in Dickinson County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Dickinson County end of Michigan holds Tobey Lake. It sits at 1,342 feet above sea level. It covers about 11 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Michigan listings. Nearest place of any size is Crystal Falls, 12 miles away. Green Bay is the closest city, 106 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Tobey Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Dickinson County include bluegill, walleye, yellow perch and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Tobey Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 11°F to 65°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Tobey Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Bush Lake at 1.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Tobey Lake carry more weight than any list.