What Lake Chemung offers anglers

Lake Chemung is a shallow, weedy lake in Livingston County that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake runs about 2,100 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with plenty of vegetation and soft bottom—classic habitat for walleye in spring and fall and pike year-round. The character of the lake is fundamentally different from the deeper, clearer lakes nearby; Chemung rewards anglers who understand shallow-water structure and don't mind working through weed growth.

The lake sits between Howell and Fowlerville, roughly 40 minutes northwest of Ann Arbor. Access is straightforward: a public launch on the south shore off M-36 puts you on the water without a long drive from the highway. The lake draws local anglers more than destination traffic, which means less crowding during weekdays and shoulder seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Chemung is a 2,100-acre shallow lake where walleye bite best in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) around weed edges and soft-bottom flats.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond well to larger baits and lures near vegetation, especially in early morning and late evening.
  • The public launch on M-36 is the main access point; the lake is open to both motor and non-motor boats, though shallow draft is an advantage.
  • Summer fishing is slower because walleye move deeper and weeds become thick; focus on early morning, late evening, or deeper holes if you fish mid-summer.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits before you launch.

Spring walleye fishing on shallow flats

April and May are the strongest months for walleye on Chemung. The fish move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn, and they concentrate on soft-bottom flats and weed edges where they can find forage. Target depths of 6 to 12 feet along the transition zones where vegetation begins—these edges hold walleye throughout the spring bite.

Live bait works best: shiners or crawlers on a simple jig-and-live-bait rig, or a slip sinker rig if you want to cover more water. Work the edges slowly, letting the bait do the work. If you prefer casting, small crankbaits and soft plastics in natural colors (browns, blacks, whites) mimic the forage walleye are hunting. Early morning and dusk produce more consistent bites than midday, but spring walleye will feed throughout the day if the weather is stable.

Northern pike in weeds and open water

Pike are present all year on Chemung and grow to respectable sizes—fish in the 30- to 40-inch range are not uncommon. They relate to weed growth more than walleye do; pike use dense vegetation as ambush cover and hunt the edges and pockets within the weeds. In spring and fall, pike are active in shallow water; in summer, they move to deeper weed lines and the few holes on the lake bottom.

Large shiners, 6 to 8 inches, are the standard live bait. Cast them near weed edges and let them work naturally, or troll them slowly along vegetation. If you throw lures, go bigger than you would for walleye—pike respond to 4- to 6-inch swimbaits, large spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs early and late in the day. Early morning and the hour before dark are prime time; pike bite sporadically during midday but will chase a large bait if it moves through their zone.

Summer fishing and the weed challenge

July and August are the slowest months on Chemung. Walleye move deeper to find cooler water and oxygen, and the weed growth becomes so thick that casting and trolling become difficult. If you fish summer, focus on the few deeper holes on the lake—there are spots that reach 35 to 40 feet—and fish early morning before the sun warms the shallows. Night fishing can be productive; walleye move shallow to feed after dark.

Pike remain active in summer but are harder to locate because they scatter into dense weed cover. If you know specific weed pockets or deeper structure, focus there. Many anglers take a break from Chemung in midsummer and return in September when the water cools and the bite picks up again.

Fall fishing and the second peak

September and October bring a second strong bite, similar in character to spring but often more intense. Walleye feed aggressively as they prepare for winter, and they move back to shallow flats and weed edges. The water is clearer than in spring, so lighter line and more natural presentations pay off. Pike are also active and aggressive in fall, and the cooler water means they hunt throughout the day rather than concentrating their feeding in early and late hours.

Fall is an excellent time to fish Chemung if you can't make the spring run. The weather is often more stable, the lake is less crowded, and the fishing window extends from mid-September through late October before the water gets too cold.

Launch access and boat considerations

The public launch is located on the south shore off M-36, near the town of Howell. It's a concrete ramp with parking for trailers and vehicles. The launch is maintained by Livingston County and is open year-round. Arrive early on weekends, especially in spring and fall, because parking fills quickly.

Chemung is shallow enough that a shallow-draft boat is an advantage, especially if you want to fish the weed edges and flats where walleye concentrate. Pontoons and jon boats work well. Larger bass boats and cruisers can fish the lake, but you'll spend more time navigating around shallow spots. The lake is open to both motor and non-motor boats; electric trolling motors are common and effective for working weed edges slowly.

Regulations and what to bring

A current Michigan fishing license is required. Walleye and pike regulations change year to year, so check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or the current fishing guide before you launch. Bag limits, size restrictions, and season dates are listed there and vary by species.

Bring polarized sunglasses—they make a real difference on a shallow, weedy lake where you can often see fish and structure. A good depth finder helps you locate the soft-bottom flats and weed edges where walleye hold. Insect repellent is useful in spring and early summer. If you're fishing live bait, bring a bait bucket with an aerator to keep shiners and crawlers fresh throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the strongest periods. Walleye bite heavily around weed edges and soft-bottom flats during these seasons. Summer is slow because walleye move deep and weeds become thick. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing knowledge and equipment.

Can I fish Lake Chemung with a kayak or canoe?

Yes. The lake is open to non-motor boats, and kayaks and canoes work well for fishing shallow weed edges and flats. The shallow depth means you can access areas that larger boats can't reach. Bring a personal flotation device and be aware that the lake can get windy, especially in spring and fall.

What size pike and walleye does Chemung hold?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 20 inches, with some larger fish present. Pike grow to 30 to 40 inches regularly, and larger fish are caught occasionally. The lake's shallow, weedy character supports good pike populations but produces fewer trophy walleye than deeper lakes in the region.

Is the public launch crowded on weekends?

Yes, especially in spring and fall. Arrive early—before 7 a.m. on a Saturday in April or May—to secure a parking spot. Weekday fishing is much less crowded and often produces better results because the lake is quieter.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Chemung?

No. Shore fishing is possible from the launch area and from private property if you have permission. However, a boat gives you access to the weed edges and flats where most of the walleye and pike hold, so you'll have more options and likely better success.