Fishing Crystal Lake

AKA: Crystal Lake & Water Shed

Popular Fish Species
Crystal Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Crystal Lake, MI

Popular Fish Species Crystal Lake, MI

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fishing on Crystal Lake for smallmouth bass is a favorite endeavor of many locals here. Smallies are plentiful and easy to catch, once located in the clear water of this pristine lake. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Lake Trout Fishing

Pretty much, year round fishing for lake trout in Crystal Lake is quite good and the fish are plentiful as annual stocking keep the population in good order. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. Good electronics are a big help in locating lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. It is a monumental help to use fish finders to locate lake trout. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Crystal Lake continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Fishing at Crystal Lake for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

Crystal Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, lake trout, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch, coho salmon and northern pike at Crystal Lake in Michigan.

Named for its clear, blue water Crystal Lake is a 9,800-acre lake in the northwest part of the lower peninsula. This great trout and coho salmon fishery can be fished virtually year round. Anglers can also target smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. There is over 20 miles of shoreline, some of which is accessible for fishing from the bank in areas like Beulah Beach and Mollineaux Beach. Crystal Lake DNR Public Boat Launch is located on the southeast corner of the lake. In winter there is good ice fishing for brook trout, lake trout and perch.

Primary fish species residing in Crystal Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Crystal Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast