What Union Lake offers anglers

Union Lake is a 303-acre inland lake in West Bloomfield that holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish—a solid mixed bag for a lake this size. The water runs relatively clear in summer, with depths reaching about 60 feet in the deepest basin, though most productive fishing happens in 8 to 20 feet of water. The lake has a public launch on the south end and a few access points along the shoreline, making it manageable for both boat and shore anglers.

The character of Union Lake is typical of Oakland County's glacial lakes: hard bottom in places, soft muck in others, and enough structure—fallen trees, a few rocky points—to hold fish predictably. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons here, when walleye move into shallower water and pike are aggressive. Summer fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper or during low-light hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Union Lake holds walleye, pike, largemouth bass, and panfish, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The public launch is on the south end; shore access exists but is limited compared to boat access.
  • Walleye fishing is strongest in early morning and evening, especially over the hard-bottom areas on the north and east sides.
  • Pike respond well to live bait and large crankbaits in spring; summer requires deeper presentations or night fishing.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; check current regulations for species-specific rules before you fish.

Walleye fishing on Union Lake

Walleye are the primary draw for many anglers on Union Lake. They respond best to live bait—shiners, crawlers, or small shiners—fished on a jig or a slip-sinker rig in 10 to 18 feet of water. Early morning from first light until about 9 a.m. is prime time, and the same window opens again in the last hour before dark. The north and east sides of the lake have harder bottom composition, which walleye prefer, and these areas hold fish more consistently than the softer western shore.

Trolling crankbaits along the breakline—the transition from shallow to deeper water—also produces walleye, especially in spring when they're moving up from winter depths. A slow, methodical approach works better than speed; walleye on Union Lake are not aggressive chasers. If you're fishing from shore, focus on the deeper holes near the public launch and the eastern points where structure concentrates fish.

Pike and bass in spring and early summer

Northern pike on Union Lake wake up hungry in spring and remain aggressive through early June. Large crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and live bait all work, but pike here respond especially well to 4- to 6-inch shiners fished live on a quick-strike rig. Fish the shallow bays and weed edges in April and May; as water warms into June, pike move deeper but remain catchable on live bait in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Largemouth bass are present but not abundant. They concentrate around the few weed beds and fallen timber on the lake, particularly on the south and west sides. Spring and early summer are best; by mid-July, bass become scattered and harder to locate. Soft plastics and topwater lures work in shallow cover, but expect fewer fish than you would on a dedicated bass lake.

Summer fishing and low-light strategies

Union Lake fishes slower in summer, but it is not dead. Walleye move deeper—20 to 35 feet—and become less active during midday. Night fishing with live bait or glow-in-the-dark jigs produces walleye when daytime fishing is slow. If you prefer daytime fishing, focus on the deepest basin in the center of the lake and fish vertically with live bait or jigging spoons.

Pike and bass are scattered in summer and require more targeted searching. Early morning and evening remain your best windows. If you're fishing midday, focus on the deepest, shadiest structure you can find—fallen trees, deep weed edges, or the steepest breaklines. A slow presentation beats a fast one; fish are lethargic in warm water and won't chase.

Public access and launch details

The public launch on Union Lake's south end has a paved ramp, parking for roughly a dozen vehicles, and a small dock. It is maintained by the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department. The launch is free to use with a valid Michigan fishing license. Arrive early on weekends, especially in spring, as parking fills quickly.

Shore access is limited. A small public access area exists near the launch, but most of the shoreline is private residential property. If you plan to fish from shore, the launch area is your most reliable option. Kayak and canoe anglers can launch here as well and have more flexibility to explore the shoreline, though the lake is large enough that paddling to distant structure takes time.

Seasonal timing and what to expect

Spring (April through May) is the most productive season. Walleye move into 8 to 15 feet of water, pike are aggressive, and the water is cool enough that fish feed throughout the day. Expect the best fishing in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Walleye move deep, pike scatter, and midday fishing is poor. Night fishing and early morning trips are your best bet. Water temperature can exceed 75 degrees by late July, which stresses fish and reduces feeding activity.

Fall (September through October) is nearly as good as spring. Walleye return to shallower water as temperatures drop, pike feed aggressively before winter, and the lake becomes less crowded. October is often the strongest month for both species.

Winter brings ice fishing for walleye and pike. The lake typically freezes by late December and remains fishable through February. Jigging live bait in 15 to 25 feet of water produces walleye; pike respond to larger baits and tip-ups.

Tackle and technique recommendations

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided or monofilament line handles most situations. Pair it with a 4- to 6-pound fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility. Jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range tipped with live bait are your workhorse; crankbaits in natural colors (perch, silver, chartreuse) work for trolling.

Pike fishing calls for heavier tackle: a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 20-pound line and a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs. Large crankbaits (3 to 4 inches), spinnerbaits, and live bait rigs all produce. Bass anglers can use lighter tackle—a 6-foot medium spinning rod with 8-pound line—and focus on soft plastics and topwater lures in shallow cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Union Lake?

No, but a boat gives you access to more productive water. Shore fishing is possible near the public launch, but most of the lake is private residential property. If you fish from shore, focus on the deeper holes and structure near the launch area. A kayak or canoe is a good middle ground if you want to explore without a motorboat.

What is the best time of day to fish Union Lake?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark) are most productive year-round. Walleye and pike are most active during low-light periods. In summer, night fishing often outproduces daytime fishing.

Can I catch walleye and pike on the same trip?

Yes. Both species occupy similar depths in spring and fall, so you can target both with live bait rigs and crankbaits. Pike are more aggressive and will strike larger baits and faster-moving lures, while walleye prefer slower presentations. Many anglers fish live bait rigs that appeal to both species.

What size fish can I expect from Union Lake?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish exceeding 20 inches. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, with some reaching 30 inches or more. Bass are generally 10 to 14 inches. These are averages; individual fish vary based on season and luck.

Is Union Lake crowded on weekends?

Yes, especially in spring and fall. The public launch fills early on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you prefer quieter fishing, visit on weekday mornings or fish in summer when fewer anglers are out. Evening trips in spring and fall also tend to be less crowded than early morning.