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As we get ever closer to spring and the icy lakes melt, anglers around the US start prepping for the crappie season. For those who don’t fish during winter, this is the very first fishing window.
Although crappie is an abundant fish, you don’t want to spend the entire season looking for the best fishing spots. That’s why we are going to share with you 7 of the best crappie lakes in Michigan.
So, grease your reel, dust off your rod, fill your tackle box, and head on to any of these destinations!
Belleville Lake
Many fellow anglers regard Belleville as the best lake for crappie in the state of Michigan. It has a huge 1270-acre surface with plenty of trees, weeds, and underwater structures. Making it an ideal fishing ground during spring.
This relatively shallow lake has a maximum depth of around 20 feet. There is plenty of land for those who don’t own a boat. But you can also bring your kayak or canoe with you. Just make sure to check with the local authorities on access points.
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Union Lake
Home to a thriving population of black crappies, Union lake is one of the most productive lakes in the state. The lake has a 465-acre extension. Some sections of the lake are as shallow as 10 feet, while others plump to 110 feet.
This wide range of depths makes Union lake one of the best fishing spots for winter and spring crappie fishing. You can check the fishing reports beforehand and plan your trip accordingly.
Make sure to target the shallows if you are going to fish during the spring. Crappies usually like these sections better.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is next on the list of best crappie hotspots in Michigan. It extends through 430 square miles. It is so big that part of the lake is in Canada.
Like before, Lake St. Clair is shallow, with an average depth of 11 feet. But, since it is part of the great lake system, local authorities keep a 30-foot shipping channel. Nevertheless, you won’t be fishing in this section.
The layout lacks the structure you find in lake Belleville. But it has a massive shoreline, which is ideal for those without a boat.
Crankbaits and topwater lures are quite productive during spring. We suggest targeting Fisher bay and Bouvier Bay. These two are our favorite spots in the lake.
Stoney Creek Lake
House of the biggest white crappie ever caught in Michigan, Stoney Creek lake is a man-made lake with a 500-acre extension. It is part of a Metropark with plenty of amenities, making it an ideal place for a family getaway.
To take full advantage of the lake, we suggest going with a kayak, canoe, or boat. There are several launching stations at your disposal. If you don’t own a boat, don’t worry. There is still plenty of shoreline to fish. Plus, the lake is only 10 feet deep.
Since this is part of a park, you will need to pay a fee to enter the grounds. Don’t worry. It won’t break the bank. You can check the current fees here.
Whitmore Lake
Small and remote, Whitmore lake is another prominent crappie fishing spot. The thing that I like the most about this lake is that it is calm and with few anglers. It also has a bike trail and several restaurants where you can take your family.
The lake has a boat ramp if you decide to go with your craft. But we advise against it, as the most productive crappie spots are along the shoreline.
Otter Lake
With breathtaking views, Otter lake has a huge 890-acre surface. Plenty of room for you to roam and try different approaches.
Otter lake houses many species, including trout, walleye, and crappie. The premises are open year-round. You can choose between fishing from the shore or using a boat. In this case, we suggest the latter, as you will have access to a greater area.
You can access the latest fishing report by clicking this link.
Hamlin Lake
Last on our list, we have Hamlin Lake. This man-made lake has a huge 5350-acre surface, and it is open year-round. You don’t need to pay any fee to be able to fish on the premises, provided you own a license, of course.
The most productive crappie spot is near South Bayou Park. But you can also try the narrow channel around Wilson Hill and Victoria park. Don’t know the lake? Don’t worry. You can check the map here.
Michigan Crappie Hotspots
The first step for a successful crappie fishing trip is finding the right spot. Here you have seven lakes to choose from in Michigan. All of them are productive year-round. But some of them are especially good during spring.
Lake Belleville and Stoney Creek are our favorite spots. The first one is ideal for solo adventures, while the latter is the one to go for a family vacation. Tell us, which one do you pick?
