Bring Your Own Boat

Long Lake (13 miles, ~20 minutes)

Location: Long Lake County Park, 1400 N Long Lake Rd, Alpena, MI

Size: ~1,200 acres (on the larger side but manageable for a 14-foot boat)

Features: A public boat launch at Long Lake County Park is perfect for small boats, with a gentle slope, parking, and restrooms. Fish include walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish (bluegill, crappie). The lake has calm bays and shallow areas ideal for a 14-foot boat.

Why It’s Great: The lake’s smaller bays and weed beds are easily navigable, avoiding the need to venture into deeper, open water. Spring and fall are prime for walleye; summer is great for bass and panfish.

Tips: Use jigs with minnows for walleye near drop-offs (10-15 feet). Try spinnerbaits or soft plastics for bass in weedy shallows. Stay in the northern or western bays for calmer waters.

Note: While slightly larger, its sheltered areas make it suitable for a 14-foot boat, but avoid windy days.

Sunken Lake (10 miles, ~15 minutes)

Location: Sunken Lake County Park, 6321 Sunken Lake Rd, Posen, MI

Size: ~100 acres

Features: A small, quiet lake with a public boat launch at Sunken Lake County Park, ideal for a 14-foot boat. The launch is gravel but accessible, with parking nearby. Fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and some northern pike. The lake has weed beds and lily pads, perfect for small-boat fishing.

Why It’s Great: Its compact size and calm waters are tailor-made for a 14-foot boat, allowing you to cover the lake easily. Summer evenings are excellent for bass and panfish; spring is good for spawning fish.

Tips: Cast topwater lures (frogs) or plastic worms near lily pads for bass. Use small jigs or worms under a bobber for bluegill. The lake’s shallow nature (max depth ~15 feet) suits light tackle.

Note: Limited amenities, so bring your own bait and supplies from Huron Country Market (~5 miles away).

Fitzgerald Lake (12 miles, ~20 minutes)

Location: Fitzgerald County Park, 6760 Fitzgerald Rd, Hawks, MI

Size: ~30 acres

Features: A very small lake with a basic public launch (carry-in or small trailer) at Fitzgerald County Park, perfect for a 14-foot boat or kayak. Fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. The lake is surrounded by trees, offering wind protection and a serene setting.

Why It’s Great: The tiny size ensures easy navigation and safety for a small boat, with no need for heavy motors. It’s great for casual fishing, especially for kids or beginners, with abundant panfish.

Tips: Use small spinners or poppers for bass near the edges; try worms or tiny jigs for bluegill in shallows. Fish early morning for best action. Max depth is ~10 feet, so keep tackle light.

Note: No motorized boats are preferred here due to size, but a 14-foot rowboat or canoe with a small electric motor is fine.

Tomahawk Creek Flooding (20 miles, ~30 minutes)

Location: Tomahawk Creek Flooding, Onaway, MI (access via public launch at 1100 Tomahawk Lake Hwy, Onaway, MI)

Size: ~350 acres

Features: A small impoundment with a public boat launch suitable for a 14-foot boat. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and crappie. The flooding has stumps, weed beds, and channels, providing excellent cover for fish.

Why It’s Great: The sheltered, shallow waters (max depth ~20 feet) are ideal for small boats, and the launch is easy to use. Spring and early summer are best for bass and pike; fall is good for panfish.

Tips: Use weedless lures (spinnerbaits, frogs) for bass and pike in grassy areas. Try small jigs for crappie near submerged timber. A trolling motor helps navigate the structure.

Note: Can be weedy in summer, so bring a paddle for backup if using a small motor.

Crooked Lake (18 miles, ~25 minutes)

Location: Crooked Lake, Presque Isle, MI (access via public launch near 17000 US-23, Presque Isle, MI)

Size: ~150 acres

Features: A small, clear lake with a public boat launch suitable for a 14-foot boat. Fish include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and panfish. The lake has rocky points and weed beds, offering diverse fishing spots.

Why It’s Great: Its small size and calm waters are perfect for a 14-foot boat, with easy access from the launch. Summer is great for bass and perch; spring offers pre-spawn action.

Tips: Cast crankbaits or tubes for smallmouth near rocky areas; use soft plastics for largemouth in weeds. Drift with minnows for perch in deeper water (10-15 feet). Electric motors work well here.

Note: Limited parking at the launch, so arrive early on weekends.

Other Michigan Lakes

Charter Fishing Guides

Fish Knot Charters (Alpena/Presque Isle, 15-25 miles)
Lake Huron trips for walleye, steelhead, salmon, and trout. Family-friendly.

Trout Scout Charters (Alpena, 25 miles)
Personalized sportfishing with Captain Ed Retherford for salmon and walleye.

Reel Effect Charters (Presque Isle, ~15 miles)
Family-oriented charters for Lake Huron’s diverse fish species.