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Michigan · Fishing
Hill Township sits in Montmorency County in northeastern Michigan, and its fishing options center on a handful of inland lakes that draw anglers looking for a quieter alternative to the more trafficked waters further south.
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Hill Township sits in Montmorency County in northeastern Michigan, and its fishing options center on a handful of inland lakes that draw anglers looking for a quieter alternative to the more trafficked waters further south. North Dease Lake, O'Connor Lake, and Jenkins Lake are the three fishable waters with active listings in the area, all falling under the lake fishing category. These are typical northern Michigan glacial lakes, which means you can reasonably expect species like largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, and pike, though the specific mix varies by lake. None of the waters here carry a gold medal or wild trout designation, so this is not a destination trout trip -- it is more suited to anglers who want a relaxed day on the water targeting warmwater species. Access points and boat launch conditions vary by lake, so it is worth confirming current conditions before you load up the trailer. Michigan fishing licenses are required for anyone 17 and older and are available through the Michigan DNR website or local retailers. The area is lightly developed compared to resort-heavy parts of the state, which tends to mean less pressure on the water and a more straightforward experience overall.
There are three lakes with active fishing listings in Hill Township: North Dease Lake, O'Connor Lake, and Jenkins Lake. All three are inland lakes suited to lake fishing rather than stream or river angling.
Northern Michigan glacial lakes like these typically hold largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and northern pike. None of the three lakes here carry a wild trout or gold medal water designation, so plan your trip around warmwater species rather than trout.
Rollways Campground
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Chimney Loop Campground
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Rifle River
~15 min drive
Easy
Hoist/Reid Lake Areas
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Au Sable River - Mainstream
~1h 5m drive
Moderate
Jenkins Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Loon Lake Day Use Area
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Houghton Lake
~1h 11m drive
Easy
North Dease Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
O'Connor Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Little Long Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Secord Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Yes, a Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase one through the Michigan DNR website at michigan.gov/dnr or at local bait shops and sporting goods retailers near Montmorency County.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are generally the most productive windows on inland Michigan lakes, especially for bass and pike that move into shallower water to feed. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper, so adjust your presentation accordingly.
Lake fishing on smaller inland lakes like these is well suited to beginners and families. Bluegill and perch are typically abundant and willing biters, which makes for an accessible experience without needing specialized gear or technique.
