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Michigan · Fishing
Arcadia Township sits in the northwestern corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and its fishing is built around three inland lakes: Cranberry Lake, Elk Lake, and Long Lake.
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Arcadia Township sits in the northwestern corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and its fishing is built around three inland lakes: Cranberry Lake, Elk Lake, and Long Lake. These are quiet, accessible fisheries that reward anglers who show up with the right expectations — this is lake fishing in a rural township, not a destination bass tournament circuit. Elk Lake is the largest of the three and tends to draw the most attention, with decent structure for largemouth bass and panfish. Cranberry Lake and Long Lake are smaller and more intimate, which often means less pressure and more cooperative fish, particularly for bluegill and perch on summer mornings. All three lakes are best approached by small boat or kayak, though shore access exists at certain points. Michigan's Lower Peninsula fishing season runs year-round for most warmwater species, and Benzie and Manistee county lakes like these see their best action from late May through early October. If you're planning a trip specifically around fishing, mid-June through July tends to be the sweet spot before summer heat pushes fish deeper and boat traffic picks up on the larger water.
Cranberry Lake, Elk Lake, and Long Lake are typical northern Michigan inland lakes, which means you're most likely targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and northern pike. Elk Lake also has a reputation for walleye. None of these lakes are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout fishing.
Yes, anyone 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license to fish any of these lakes. You can purchase one online through the Michigan DNR website, at a local bait shop, or at many sporting goods retailers. Make sure your license covers the species you're targeting, as some require additional stamps or endorsements.
Elk Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Long Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Cranberry Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Lake Pleasant
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Selders Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Dollar Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Clack Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
C.S. Mott Lake
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Little Walters Lake
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Shiawassee Lake
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Crosby Lake
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Lake Goodrich
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Early morning from first light until about 9 a.m. is consistently the most productive window for bass and panfish on all three lakes, especially in summer. A second window opens in the evening from roughly two hours before sunset until dark. Midday fishing in July and August is generally slow as fish move to deeper, cooler water.
Shore access exists at certain points around these lakes, but a small boat, canoe, or kayak will open up significantly more water and better structure. If you're fishing without a boat, focus on public access points and look for areas with docks, fallen timber, or weed edges, which tend to hold fish closest to shore.
Yes, these are approachable fisheries for beginners and families. Bluegill and perch are abundant and willing biters on simple rigs with worms, which makes Cranberry Lake and Long Lake particularly good choices for kids. The lakes are calm and manageable for small watercraft, and the overall pace is relaxed compared to more heavily trafficked Michigan fishing destinations.
