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Michigan · Fishing
Merrill Township sits in the lake-dotted interior of Oscoda County, and its fishing options are quiet by design. The main waters here are Lost Lake and Sis Lake, both offering lake fishing in a setting that draws anglers looking to get away from busier resort destinations.
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Merrill Township sits in the lake-dotted interior of Oscoda County, and its fishing options are quiet by design. The main waters here are Lost Lake and Sis Lake, both offering lake fishing in a setting that draws anglers looking to get away from busier resort destinations. Lost Lake shows up twice in local listings, which reflects the fact that there are multiple access points worth knowing about before you load the truck. Nichols Lake South Campground adds a pier fishing option that works well for families or anyone who wants a stable platform without wading into gear-heavy setups. These are small inland lakes typical of northern Lower Michigan, which means you can reasonably expect panfish, bass, and pike, though the specific mix and size class will vary by season and water conditions. None of the listed waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so this is not a destination trout fishery. What it is, is accessible, uncrowded fishing in a part of Michigan that does not get the same pressure as the more publicized lakes to the north and west. If you are planning a multi-day trip, the campground at Nichols Lake South makes a practical base.
Both are inland lakes typical of Oscoda County, so panfish like bluegill and perch are the most consistent catch, with largemouth bass and northern pike also present. Neither lake is listed as a designated trout water, so do not plan the trip around trout.
Nichols Lake South Campground has pier fishing, which means you can fish effectively without a boat or waders. Lost Lake and Sis Lake have shoreline and lake fishing access, but a small kayak or canoe will open up more of the water on those.
Gleasons Landing
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Sand Lake Campground
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Sis Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Nichols Lake South Campground
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Muskegon River - Croton Dam Tailwater
~26 min drive
Moderate
Bowman Bridge
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Lake Michigan At Manistee
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Lost Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Manistee River - Upper Reaches
~1h 7m drive
Moderate
Pines Point Campground
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Lost Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Bowman Lake Area
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are the most productive windows on small inland lakes like these, when surface temperatures drop and fish move shallower to feed. Midday fishing in July and August tends to slow significantly as the sun gets high.
Yes, a valid Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one through the Michigan DNR website or at local bait and tackle shops before you arrive.
It is a practical choice if you want to fish the pier and have a place to camp without driving far. It puts you within easy reach of both Lost Lake and Sis Lake for day trips, and the campground setting is low-key compared to more developed sites in the region.
