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Michigan · Fishing
Sands Township sits in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and its fishing options are straightforward lake fishing on three inland lakes: Carp River Lake, Pelissier Lake, and Buschell Lake.
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Sands Township sits in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and its fishing options are straightforward lake fishing on three inland lakes: Carp River Lake, Pelissier Lake, and Buschell Lake. These are the kinds of spots that don't show up in glossy fishing magazines but reward anglers who take the time to learn them. Expect typical UP lake species — bass, panfish, and pike are common in lakes of this type across the region, though you should check current Michigan DNR reports for specific stocking history and species confirmed in each water body before you make the drive. Access points and boat launch conditions vary by lake, so a quick call to the Marquette County area DNR office before your trip is worth the five minutes. The area is rural, services are limited, and you'll want to come self-sufficient with fuel, bait, and any gear you need. That's not a drawback — it's the reason these lakes see lighter pressure than waters closer to Marquette. If you're looking for a quiet day on the water in the UP without fighting for a launch ramp, Sands Township is a reasonable base.
There are three lakes with active fishing listings in the area: Carp River Lake, Pelissier Lake, and Buschell Lake. All three are inland lakes suited to lake fishing rather than stream or river angling.
The Michigan DNR is the authoritative source for confirmed species and stocking records on these specific lakes — check their Fish Community and Stocking database before your trip. Inland lakes in Marquette County commonly hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and various panfish, but we're not going to guess at what's actually in these three waters without verified data.
Grand Island Cabins
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Council Lake Campsites
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
West Zone
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Pelissier Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Carp River Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Buschell Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Baldwin Kiln Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Echo Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Hawkins Ponds
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Dollar Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Bertraud Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
MacGregor Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Yes. Any angler 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license to fish these lakes. Licenses are available through the Michigan DNR website or at local retailers. Make sure you also review current possession limits and any special regulations for Marquette County waters, as these can change season to season.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window for lake fishing in the UP. Ice-out typically happens later here than in lower Michigan, often in April or even early May depending on the winter. Early morning and evening hours in summer tend to produce better than midday, especially for bass and pike.
Sands Township is a rural area with limited amenities nearby, so plan to bring your own bait, food, and fuel. Public access points and boat launch conditions for Carp River Lake, Pelissier Lake, and Buschell Lake should be confirmed with the Michigan DNR or Marquette County before you arrive, as launch quality and parking can vary. Don't assume a paved ramp with facilities — come prepared for a basic or carry-in access situation.
