What Cedar Lake offers anglers

Cedar Lake in Montcalm County is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake that rewards anglers who understand how to work vegetation and low-light periods. The lake runs roughly 800 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds that hold fish year-round but make summer fishing a puzzle. Walleye are the primary draw—they're present in good numbers and respond well to live bait and jigs worked along weed edges and deeper holes. Pike are abundant and often aggressive, especially in spring and fall when they hunt the shallows.

The character of Cedar Lake is defined by its weeds. In summer, the vegetation can be so thick that boat traffic becomes difficult, but that same cover holds walleye during the day and concentrates them in predictable spots. Spring and fall fishing is more straightforward—fish move into shallower water, and you can cover more ground. Winter is productive for walleye anglers who know how to find the deeper holes and suspended fish under the ice.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake holds walleye and pike in a shallow system where weed beds are the dominant feature and the key to finding fish consistently.
  • Summer fishing requires patience and precise weed-edge work; spring and fall offer easier access to shallower, more aggressive fish.
  • Live bait—shiners, crawfish, and leeches—outperforms artificials on this lake, especially for walleye in heavy cover.
  • The lake has public access via a boat launch on the south end; no horsepower restrictions, but shallow water and weeds demand careful navigation.

Spring fishing for walleye and pike

Spring is Cedar Lake's most forgiving season. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and into shallower structure—the edges of weed beds, the transition zones between open water and vegetation, and the shallow bays on the north and west sides of the lake. Pike follow the same pattern and are often more aggressive, striking larger baits and crankbaits with confidence.

Live shiners and crawfish work best in spring. Cast along weed edges in 6 to 12 feet of water and work slowly; walleye are not yet in full feeding mode, and a bait that sits or moves deliberately will draw more strikes than one that races through the water. Early morning and late evening are prime, but overcast days can produce all day. Pike respond to larger shiners and to shallow-running crankbaits worked over the flats.

Boat traffic is light in spring, and the weed growth is not yet dense enough to foul your line constantly, making this the best season for anglers new to the lake or new to walleye fishing in general.

Summer: navigating the weed jungle

By mid-June, Cedar Lake transforms. Weed beds thicken and spread, and the open-water fishing that worked in spring becomes nearly impossible. Walleye retreat into deeper holes and along the thickest weed edges, where they hunt in low-light conditions and rest during the day. This is not a lake for trolling or casting topwater in July and August.

Success in summer depends on finding the deepest holes—the lake has a few spots that drop to 30 feet or more—and working them at dawn and dusk. Vertical jigging with live bait is the most effective technique. Drop a 3/8- or 1/2-ounce jig tipped with a leech or minnow straight down, work it slowly, and be patient. The bite window is narrow, often just the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before dark.

Pike fishing in summer is easier. They hunt the weed edges aggressively, especially in early morning. Cast large topwater plugs or soft plastics along the thickest vegetation and work them with sharp jerks. The strikes are explosive and frequent. Many anglers find summer pike fishing on Cedar Lake more rewarding than the walleye bite, even though the walleye are there.

Fall: a second spring

As water temperatures drop in September and October, Cedar Lake comes alive again. Walleye move back into shallower water, weed edges become productive throughout the day, and the aggressive feeding patterns of spring return. This is the second-best season on the lake, after spring.

Live bait fished along weed edges in 8 to 15 feet of water produces steady action. Crawfish and shiners both work; leeches are excellent if you can find them. Pike are at their peak in fall—they're fattening for winter and will chase larger baits and hit crankbaits with authority. The water is cool enough that you can fish the shallows all day without the midday lull that summer brings.

Fall is also the best time to explore new areas of the lake. The weed growth is beginning to die back, visibility improves, and you can see structure and depth changes that summer vegetation hides. Pay attention to where fish are holding in October; those same spots often hold fish in spring.

Winter ice fishing

Cedar Lake freezes reliably by late December and stays frozen through February. Ice fishing is productive for walleye anglers who focus on the deeper holes—the 25- to 30-foot zones where walleye suspend or rest on the bottom. Jigging with live minnows or spikes is the standard approach. Set up over a hole, jig slowly, and be prepared to wait; winter walleye on Cedar Lake are not aggressive, but they are present.

Pike are less predictable under the ice, but they do bite. Tip-ups with live shiners set along weed edges in 12 to 18 feet of water will catch pike throughout the winter. Check local ice conditions before heading out; the lake can have soft spots, especially near inlets and springs.

Access and boat launch information

Cedar Lake has a public boat launch on the south end of the lake, accessible via a county road. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking—arrive early on weekends, especially in spring and fall. There is no horsepower restriction, but the shallow water and dense weed beds demand careful navigation. Many anglers use smaller boats or even kayaks to access the shallower bays and weed edges where walleye and pike concentrate.

The lake is surrounded by private property, so shore fishing is limited. Boat access is the primary way to fish Cedar Lake. Rentals are not available on the lake itself, but nearby towns have marinas and rental services.

Tackle and bait recommendations

For walleye, bring 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rods with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Jigs in the 1/4- to 1/2-ounce range work best; pair them with live shiners, crawfish, or leeches. A few shallow-running crankbaits in natural colors (perch, shad patterns) are useful in spring and fall.

Pike fishing calls for heavier tackle—7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rods with 12- to 15-pound line. Larger crankbaits, soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, and topwater plugs all produce. Live shiners in the 4- to 6-inch range are deadly for pike, especially in spring and fall.

Bring a good depth finder if you have one; Cedar Lake's weed beds and scattered holes are easier to navigate when you can see what's below. A GPS unit or map app helps you mark productive spots and return to them on future trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cedar Lake good for beginners?

Spring and fall are beginner-friendly. The fish are active, the weed situation is manageable, and live bait fished along visible structure produces results. Summer requires more skill and patience. Winter ice fishing is technical and demands knowledge of ice safety.

What size walleye and pike can I expect?

Walleye average 12 to 16 inches, with some fish reaching 18 to 20 inches. Pike are typically 15 to 22 inches, and fish over 25 inches are caught regularly. The lake supports a healthy population of both species.

Do I need a guide to fish Cedar Lake?

No, but a guide familiar with the weed beds and deeper holes can accelerate your learning curve, especially in summer. Many local guides operate on Montcalm County lakes and can teach you the seasonal patterns and best techniques for this specific system.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring (May) and fall (September–October) offer the most consistent action and the easiest fishing. Summer is productive but requires more skill. Winter is excellent for dedicated ice anglers.

Are there other fish species in Cedar Lake?

Panfish (bluegill, crappie) are abundant in the shallows and weed beds, especially in spring and early summer. Bass are present but not the primary draw. Most anglers target walleye and pike.