What You'll Find at Pickerel Lake

Pickerel Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake in Kalkaska County that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in good numbers. The lake runs about 350 acres and averages 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds that make it excellent habitat for pike and a reliable walleye fishery. The character of the lake is pure Michigan north country — tree-lined shores, public access, and the kind of water where you can catch fish year-round if you know what to target and when.

The lake sits in the transition zone between the cold-water lakes that dominate the region and the warmer systems to the south. That means the fishing changes with the season more dramatically than it does on deeper lakes. Spring and fall are peak times, but summer and winter both hold fish if you adjust your approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickerel Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish, with weed beds providing the primary structure for all three species.
  • Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer requires deeper presentations and early-morning or evening timing.
  • Public boat access is available, and the lake is shallow enough that a 14-foot boat with a trolling motor works well.
  • Live bait and soft plastics work better than hard baits on this lake because of the dense vegetation and the fish's preference for natural presentations.

Spring Walleye and Pike Fishing

Spring is when Pickerel Lake comes alive. Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and early May, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Target the weed edges and shallow flats in 6 to 12 feet of water. Live shiners or crawlers on a jig head work well, and you can also cast soft plastics like 4-inch shads along the weed lines. Fish early morning and late evening — the walleye bite slows during midday even in spring.

Northern pike are also active in spring, and they're less time-sensitive than walleye. Pike hunt in the shallows throughout the day, especially around the thickest weed growth. Larger shiners (6 to 8 inches) and pike-sized soft plastics (5 to 7 inches) will draw strikes. Don't shy away from the densest vegetation — pike hunt in places where other anglers won't cast.

Summer Fishing in Heat and Weeds

Summer is the hardest season on Pickerel Lake because the water warms and the weeds thicken. Walleye move deeper, typically to 15 to 25 feet, and they become nocturnal. Your best bet is to fish at dawn or dusk with live bait on the deeper weed edges, or to fish at night with a slip sinker rig and live crawlers. The bite can be strong after dark, but daytime fishing is slow.

Pike remain active throughout the day, but they also move deeper than they do in spring. Focus on the deepest weed beds and the channels between them. Early morning is still your best window. Panfish — bluegill and crappie — are easier to catch in summer and can provide consistent action if walleye and pike aren't cooperating. Look for them around dock pilings and the edges of weed beds in 8 to 15 feet of water.

Fall Transition and Second Peak

Fall is the second-best season on Pickerel Lake, right behind spring. As water temperatures drop in September and October, walleye move shallow again and feed throughout the day. The same areas that held fish in spring — weed edges and shallow flats — become productive again. Live bait works, but fall is also an excellent time to throw soft plastics and small crankbaits. The bite is often more aggressive than spring because the fish are feeding hard before winter.

Pike are equally active in fall, and the larger fish often move into shallower water as temperatures cool. This is a good time to target trophy pike with larger baits and lures. The weed beds are still thick, but they're starting to break down, which can actually make fishing easier because the fish are more willing to chase.

Winter Ice Fishing

Pickerel Lake freezes solid by late December and stays frozen through February. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is possible, but the shallow depth and heavy weed growth make it challenging. Walleye tend to suspend in the deeper holes, typically 20 to 25 feet. Jigging with live minnows or spoons works, but you'll need to drill multiple holes to find where the fish are holding on any given day.

Pike are more predictable — they stay near the weed beds even under ice. Tip-ups with live shiners are the standard approach. Set them in 12 to 18 feet of water near the thickest weed growth. The bite can be slow, but when pike do hit, they hit hard. Many anglers focus on panfish in winter because bluegill and crappie are easier to locate and more consistent.

Tackle and Bait Choices

Live bait is the most reliable choice on Pickerel Lake across all seasons. Shiners (4 to 8 inches depending on what you're targeting), crawlers, and minnows all work. Walleye respond well to crawlers on a jig head or a live-bait rig. Pike prefer larger shiners. Panfish will take small minnows, waxworms, or crickets.

Soft plastics are your best artificial choice — 4-inch shads for walleye, 5 to 7-inch shads or swimbaits for pike. The dense weeds mean you need lures that move through vegetation without hanging up. Hard crankbaits can work in spring and fall, but they're more trouble than they're worth in summer when the weeds are at their thickest. A 1/4 to 3/8-ounce jig head paired with a soft plastic is the most versatile setup for this lake.

Access and Boat Considerations

Pickerel Lake has public boat access via a launch on the north shore. The ramp is maintained and can handle trailers, though the parking area is modest. The lake is shallow enough that a small boat works well — many anglers fish it successfully in 14 to 16-foot boats with trolling motors. A trolling motor is nearly essential because the weed beds require precise positioning, and you'll spend more time moving slowly than running at speed.

The lake is surrounded by private property, so shore fishing is limited. Boat access is the practical way to fish here. The water is generally calm because the lake is small and surrounded by trees that block wind. That makes it a good choice for anglers with smaller boats or less experience running open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Pickerel Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent. Walleye and pike feed throughout the day, and the weed beds are easier to navigate than in summer. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening timing and deeper presentations.

Do I need a trolling motor to fish Pickerel Lake?

A trolling motor is highly recommended. The weed beds require slow, precise movement, and you'll spend most of your time positioning rather than running. Many anglers fish the lake with nothing but a trolling motor and rarely use the main engine.

Can you catch walleye and pike on the same lures?

Yes, soft plastics in the 4 to 7-inch range work for both species. The difference is size — use smaller plastics (4 inches) for walleye and larger ones (5 to 7 inches) for pike. Live bait is more species-specific: crawlers and small shiners for walleye, larger shiners for pike.

Is Pickerel Lake good for panfish?

Yes, especially in summer and winter. Bluegill and crappie are abundant and easier to catch than walleye or pike. They hold around dock pilings and weed edges in 8 to 15 feet of water. Summer and winter are the best seasons for consistent panfish action.

What should I know about the weeds at Pickerel Lake?

The weed beds are thick and extensive, especially in summer. They hold fish but require careful navigation. Use a trolling motor to avoid getting tangled. In spring and fall, the weeds are thinner and easier to fish. Summer requires patience and a willingness to work dense vegetation.