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Michigan · Fishing
Iron River Township sits in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the fishing here is built around quiet inland lakes rather than big-name rivers.
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Iron River Township sits in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the fishing here is built around quiet inland lakes rather than big-name rivers. The five lakes in and around the township — Elinor Lake, Avaunt Pond, Silver Lake, Whisper Lake, and Fern Lake — are the kind of spots where you're more likely to share the water with a loon than another angler. These are small, accessible lake-fishing destinations, well-suited to anyone who wants to get a line in without a lot of logistical overhead. Expect species typical of Upper Peninsula inland lakes: largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch, and panfish are common in waters like these, though conditions vary by lake. Avaunt Pond in particular fishes differently from the larger lakes given its size, so adjust your expectations and your tackle accordingly. Access points tend to be informal or through public land, so it's worth confirming current access before you drive out. Iron County as a whole sees lighter fishing pressure than the Lower Peninsula, which is one of the better reasons to make the trip. A Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older, and current regulations from the Michigan DNR should be your first stop before you go.
Upper Peninsula inland lakes like Elinor, Silver, Whisper, and Fern typically hold northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and crappie. Avaunt Pond, being smaller, is more likely to be panfish and bass water. The Michigan DNR's fish stocking reports and lake survey data are the most reliable source for species confirmed in specific lakes.
Late May through June is strong for bass and pike as water temperatures rise and fish move shallow. Panfish are reliable through the summer. Fall, particularly September and October, can produce well for pike and bass before ice-up. Ice fishing is a legitimate option in winter given the UP's reliable freeze, but confirm ice thickness locally before heading out.
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Kentuck Lake Campground
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Ermine Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Crowfoot Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Kenton Ranger District
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Arc Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Arc Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Elinor Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Murphy Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Avaunt Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Hehe Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
A medium-action spinning rod handles most situations across these lakes — it covers bass, perch, and panfish without needing to swap setups constantly. For pike on the larger lakes, a medium-heavy rod with a wire leader is worth having. Bring a small tackle selection: jigs, soft plastics, spinners, and live bait rigs will cover you across all five waters.
Shore fishing is possible at several of these lakes, but a small boat, canoe, or kayak opens up significantly more water, especially on Elinor Lake and Silver Lake. Avaunt Pond's smaller size makes it more manageable from shore. Check current access conditions before your trip, as some launch points may require a short carry-in.
A Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older and can be purchased online through the Michigan DNR website or at local retailers in Iron River. Size and bag limits vary by species and can change seasonally, so review the current Michigan Fishing Guide before you go rather than relying on what you heard last season.
