West Lake, Michigan: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  West Lake falls in Lapeer County, part of Michigan. The bank is 876 feet above sea level. At 11 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Almont is the closest place, 2.3 miles off. The big place round here is Sterling Heights, 24 miles distant. More in the same country: Mud Lake out at 3.7 miles, Secord Lake 4 miles off, O'Neil Lake out at 4 miles, Young Lake 4 miles off and McNally Lake out at 4 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on West Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Lapeer County, recorded fish include bluegill, largemouth bass, pink salmon, black crappie and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish West Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 22°F in January up to 70°F in July. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and mid December. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. At West Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 3.7 miles away. Ask locally about West Lake if anything is unclear.