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Ess Lake Area Fishing Spots

80 Fishing Spots Michigan

Covering a diverse stretch of Michigan, the Ess Lake Area Fishing Spots is home to 80 unique fishing locations. This area features 77 scenic lakes and 3 deep reservoirs, offering anglers the chance to target Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and other popular gamefish across varied habitats and conditions.

Local fishing conditions here are shaped by the region's geography and climate patterns. Peak fishing runs from late May through September, with ice fishing opportunities from December to March. Many of these spots see less pressure than more well-known destinations, offering a more intimate fishing experience.

Tackle selection for this zone should account for the variety of water types present. Medium-action spinning rods work well for most lake fishing here, while heavier setups are recommended for larger species like catfish. Live bait — nightcrawlers, minnows, and cut shad — remains highly effective across all water types. For catch-and-release fishing, barbless hooks and proper handling techniques help maintain the zone's healthy fish populations.

The Ess Lake Area Fishing Spots is well-suited for both day trips and extended fishing vacations. With 80 spots to explore, you could spend weeks discovering new water in this zone alone. Budget-friendly camping and RV parks are scattered throughout the area, and many spots allow bank fishing without the need for a boat. Download the coordinates from our spot listings to program your GPS, and always verify current access conditions before heading to a new location.

All 80 Fishing Spots in This Zone

Lakes (77)

Anchor Lake

45.1192, -83.9466
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Avalon Lake

45.1025, -83.9558
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Bear Lake

45.2809, -83.9586
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Bear Lake

45.0706, -84.1912
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Beaver Lake

45.1023, -83.9727
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Bedore Lake

45.1359, -83.9688
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Briley Township Park Boat Launch

45.0028, -84.1439
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Bullhead Lake

45.3175, -84.0008
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Clear Lake

45.1255, -84.1800
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Clear Lake Day-Use Boat Launch

45.1242, -84.1856
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Clear Lake State Park Boat Launch

45.1305, -84.1805
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Comstock Lake

45.2295, -84.0830
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Cranberry Lake

45.1470, -84.0335
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DeCheau Lake

45.0341, -84.1827
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DeCheau Lake Boat Launch

45.0301, -84.1843
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Dollar Lake

45.1145, -83.9605
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Drum Lake

45.2727, -83.9815
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Ess Lake

45.1121, -83.9826
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Ess Lake Boat Launch

45.1086, -83.9813
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Francis Lake

45.2391, -84.1831
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Gassel Lake

45.1237, -83.9793
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Gifford Lake

45.3045, -84.0195
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Hackett Lake

45.2860, -84.1738
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Healy Lake

45.2287, -84.0391
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Hessler Lake

45.2476, -84.1152
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Horseshoe Lake

45.1203, -83.9620
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Horseshoe Lake

45.2510, -83.9563
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Jackson Lake

45.0869, -84.1609
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Kelsey Lake

45.2486, -84.0335
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Krauth Lake

45.2462, -84.1079
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Lake Ann

45.2821, -83.9861
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Lake Avalon Boat Launch

45.1043, -83.9454
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Lake Ella

45.2723, -83.9381
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Lake Emma

45.2540, -83.9918
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Lake Emma Boat Ramp

45.2483, -83.9908
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Lake Ferdelman

45.2344, -83.9624
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Lake Ferdelman Boat Launch

45.2331, -83.9625
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Lake Louise

45.2857, -83.9744
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Lake May

45.2566, -83.9505
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Lake May Boat Launch

45.2577, -83.9455
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Lake Nettie Boat Launch

45.2899, -83.9821
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Lake Paul

45.2372, -83.9170
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Lake Ruth

45.2483, -83.9335
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Lake Wilson

45.2936, -83.9948
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Little Tomahawk Lake

45.2311, -84.1811
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Long Lake Boat Launch

45.1089, -83.9721
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Long Lake Pond

45.1369, -83.9741
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Loon Lake

45.2572, -84.1694
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Lost Lake

45.2937, -83.9657
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Lost Lake

45.1814, -83.9819
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Lost Lake Boat Ramp

45.2938, -83.9715
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Lower Barnhart Lake

45.3181, -84.0132
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Lower Tomahawk Lake

45.1843, -84.0622
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McAvoy Lake

45.2479, -84.0965
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McIntosh Lake

45.3121, -84.0276
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Moores Lake

45.2296, -84.0034
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Mud Lake

45.3232, -84.0045
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Muskellunge Lake

45.1063, -84.1924
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Rainbow Lake

45.2451, -84.0477
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Rainy Lake

45.2481, -84.0695
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Ribble Lake

45.1821, -83.9875
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Richard Lake

45.3391, -83.9976
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Rush Lake

45.1191, -84.0991
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Rush Lake

45.1355, -84.0791
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Rush Lake Flooding Boat Launch

45.1157, -84.0942
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Shoepac Lake

45.2439, -84.1764
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Shoepac Lake SFCG Boat Launch

45.2418, -84.1713
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Sportsmen Lake

45.0476, -84.1183
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Sucker Lake

45.0519, -83.9690
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Sylvester Lake

45.0362, -83.8126
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Tomahawk Lake Boat Launch

45.2296, -84.1611
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Twin Lake

45.0114, -84.1317
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Twin Tomahawk Lakes

45.1661, -84.1448
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Upper Barnhart Lake

45.3216, -84.0209
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Upper Tomahawk Lake

45.1808, -84.0809
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Valentine Lake

45.0908, -84.1799
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Voyer Lake

45.0338, -84.1138
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Reservoirs (3)

Coopers Pond

45.0934, -83.9726
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Lake Hiawatha

45.0978, -84.0631
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Little Brush Lake

45.0946, -84.0722
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a valid Michigan fishing license is required to fish at any location within this zone. Licenses can be purchased online through the Michigan wildlife agency or at local bait shops.

The Ess Lake Area Fishing Spots includes 80 documented fishing locations across Michigan. These range from small ponds and streams to large lakes, providing options for every skill level.

Peak fishing runs from late May through September, with ice fishing opportunities from December to March. Water conditions, hatches, and fish behavior all vary by season, so checking recent local reports before your trip is always a good idea.

Anglers in this zone commonly target Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill. Species availability varies by water body and season — check individual spot pages for specific species information.