Loading trail…
Michigan · Fishing
Watersmeet Township sits in the western Upper Peninsula where Gogebic County meets Ottawa National Forest, and the fishing here is built around lakes rather than rivers.
11 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 11 spots
Watersmeet Township sits in the western Upper Peninsula where Gogebic County meets Ottawa National Forest, and the fishing here is built around lakes rather than rivers. The 11 fishable waters in and around the township range from small, walk-in spots like Brush Lake and Jane Lake to larger bodies like Clearwater Lake and Thousand Island Lake that draw anglers back season after season. Sylvania Wilderness, which borders the township, adds a different dimension entirely: its interior lakes are accessible only on foot or by canoe, no motors allowed, and the relative solitude means fish populations in places like Clark Lake and Loon Lake within the wilderness see less pressure than comparable waters elsewhere in the region. Langford Lake, Kerr Lake, Trail Lake, Lumberjack Lake, Gray Lake, and Florence Lake round out the options, giving visiting anglers enough variety to spend several days without repeating the same water. Bass, walleye, northern pike, and panfish are the species you'll realistically be targeting across these lakes. The area is firmly in the north woods, which means a short open-water season, cold springs, and fall fishing that can be genuinely productive before ice-up. If you're driving up from the Lower Peninsula or Wisconsin, Watersmeet is a reasonable base camp with US-2 running right through town.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth), northern pike, walleye, and panfish including bluegill and perch are the common targets across lakes like Clearwater Lake, Thousand Island Lake, and Langford Lake. The specific mix varies by lake, so it's worth checking the Michigan DNR's fish survey data for individual waters before you commit to a particular setup.
Sylvania Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area within Ottawa National Forest, and it has its own regulations layered on top of standard Michigan fishing rules. Motorized boats are prohibited on all interior lakes, and you'll need a valid Michigan fishing license. Check current Ottawa National Forest regulations before your trip, as special restrictions on certain lakes within the wilderness can change.
Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Long Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Bobcat Lake Campground
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Siskin Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Kerr Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Clearwater Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Wolf Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Little African Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
West Bear Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Thousand Island Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Florence Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Hilltop Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MI.
Late May through June is strong for most species once water temperatures stabilize after ice-out, which typically happens in late April or early May at this latitude. September and early October can also be productive, especially for walleye and pike, as fish feed aggressively before winter. Midsummer fishing on these lakes tends to slow during the warmest part of the day, so early mornings and evenings are worth prioritizing.
It varies by lake. Several of the smaller waters like Brush Lake and Jane Lake have enough accessible shoreline for bank fishing, while larger lakes like Thousand Island Lake and Clearwater Lake are more effectively fished from a boat or canoe. The Sylvania Wilderness lakes require non-motorized access, so a canoe or kayak is the practical choice there.
Yes, a Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase one online through the Michigan DNR website, at license agents in Watersmeet, or at sporting goods retailers in the area. If you're fishing inside Sylvania Wilderness, your standard Michigan license covers the state requirement, but review the federal wilderness regulations separately.
