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Michigan · Fishing
Columbus Township sits in St. Clair County in Michigan's Thumb region, and its fishing scene is built around a handful of quiet inland lakes rather than big rivers or Great Lakes access.
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Columbus Township sits in St. Clair County in Michigan's Thumb region, and its fishing scene is built around a handful of quiet inland lakes rather than big rivers or Great Lakes access. Whitney Lake, Ross Lake, and Deadmans Lake are the three spots on the board here, all offering lake fishing in a low-key, mostly local setting. These are not destination fisheries drawing crowds from across the state, but that is part of the appeal. You are looking at typical Michigan inland lake species — likely bass, panfish, and possibly pike or perch depending on the lake — in waters that see a fraction of the pressure of more famous spots to the south and west. Access and amenities vary by lake, so it pays to do a little homework before you load up the truck. Michigan DNR licensing requirements apply across all three, and standard inland lake regulations govern seasons and bag limits. If you are coming from out of the area, plan to arrive with your gear already sorted, since there is no tackle shop right in the township.
There are three lakes with active fishing listings in Columbus Township: Whitney Lake, Ross Lake, and Deadmans Lake. All three are inland lakes suited to lake fishing rather than stream or river angling.
The available listing data does not specify species by lake, and we are not going to guess. Michigan inland lakes in St. Clair County commonly hold largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike, but you should check the Michigan DNR Fish Community Data tool for species confirmed in each specific water body before your trip.
Clear Lake Campsite
~60 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Three Lakes
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Grand Island Cabins
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Pictured Rocks - Grand Sable Lake
~32 min drive
Moderate
Tahquamenon River
~44 min drive
Easy
Two Hearted River
~44 min drive
Hard
Carr Lake Campsites
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Steuben Lake Campsites
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Ross Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
East Lake Campsites
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Deadmans Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Triangle Lake Campsites
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Yes, a valid Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older fishing any of these lakes. You can purchase one online through the Michigan DNR website, at a DNR license agent, or through the DNR app — there is no guarantee of a local vendor in the township itself, so buy before you arrive.
For bass and panfish in Michigan inland lakes, early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows, particularly in warmer months when fish push into shallower water to feed. Midday in summer tends to be slower as fish move deeper to find cooler temperatures.
Lake fishing on smaller inland lakes like these is generally a good fit for beginners and families — no strong currents, no technical wading, and panfish tend to be cooperative enough to keep younger anglers interested. Check public access points ahead of time, since bank access and boat launch availability can vary between Whitney, Ross, and Deadmans Lake.
