Fishing Upper Black Lake in Kalkaska County, Michigan

• Overview

  Upper Black Lake is listed under Kalkaska County, Michigan. Elevation runs to 1,171 feet. Small at around 16 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Nearest place of any size is Grayling, 11 miles away. Kalkaska is 12 miles away, with Mancelona at 13 miles. Others close at hand: Middle Black Lake within 0.4 miles, South Black Lake about 1 mile, Bear Lake within 1.1 miles, Mallard Lake about 1.6 miles and Cub Lake within 1.9 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Upper Black Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. 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. Across Kalkaska County, recorded fish include yellow perch, white sucker, rock bass and largemouth bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Upper Black Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 67°F for July and 18°F for January. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near early December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Upper Black Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Middle Black Lake is 0.4 miles off. Rules at Upper Black Lake are worth checking on the day.