Turtle Lake Fishing Guide, Mackinac County, Michigan

• Overview

  Turtle Lake is set in Mackinac County, Michigan. It sits in rolling bush. It covers about 5 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Mackinac County. The closest town, Newberry, is 24 miles away. It is 155 miles to Green Bay, the nearest city. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Turtle Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Mackinac County include white sucker, rainbow smelt, yellow perch, rock bass and alewife. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Turtle Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 65°F and January near 17°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. That shapes the year on Turtle Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Barns Pond, 0.6 miles out. Check the position on Turtle Lake before loading the car.