Turtle Lake near Munising: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Turtle Lake lies in Alger County, in Michigan. Elevation runs to 810 feet. Small at around 2 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Alger County are larger. Munising at 11 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Green Bay, 136 miles distant. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Turtle Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name yellow perch, rainbow smelt, northern pike and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Turtle Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 65°F and January near 15°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at early December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Turtle Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Rock Lake, 0.7 miles out. Treat Turtle Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.