Fish Two Chains of Lakes in Michigan’s Coldwater Country
In an area characterized by the lakes, home of more than 100 freshwater lakes, it’s easy to be social and distanced… naturally in Michigan’s Coldwater Country. Located in South Central Michigan, Coldwater Country offers endless opportunities for anglers to get out on the water. One of the unique experiences in the area is the ability to travel from one lake to another through the chain of lakes.
The area is home to not only one chain of lakes but two - North Chain of Lakes and South Chain of Lakes.
The North Chain of Lakes, also known as the Randall Chain of Lakes, is a series of seven lakes including Messenger, South, Cemetery, North, Randall, Morrison and Craig lakes. Located near the city of Coldwater, in the middle of the county, the North Chain of Lakes collectively covers approximately 1,100 acres. This chain of lakes is largely known for bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass with some pan fish as well.
The South Chain of Lakes, also known as the Marble or Coldwater Chain of Lakes, runs parallel to I-69 south of the US-12 Heritage Route and includes eight lakes - First Lake, Marble Lake, Middle Lake, Archer Laker, Bartholomew Lake, Mud Lake, Long Lake, and Coldwater Lake. With 16 boatable miles of lakes it covers more than 3,500 acres of widely varying habitat and environments. Largemouth bass are abundant in this chain as well.
For the best action, a boat is recommended. Boats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent locally. Try your hand at shore fishing at Coldwater Country’s Marble Lake for the best catch of bluegills and largemouth bass.
“IN AN AREA CHARACTERIZED BY THE LAKES, HOME OF MORE THAN 100 FRESHWATER LAKES, IT’S EASY TO BE SOCIAL AND DISTANCED.”
After a day on the lake, enjoy some down time followed by a mouth-watering meal at one of Coldwater Country’s locally owned diners, restaurants, or pubs. Whether looking for a quick bite to eat, a unique dining destination or a gourmet dinner, visitors will find it in Coldwater Country.
Spend a day, weekend, or more fishing the lakes of Coldwater Country and find out why Coldwater Country sells more fishing licenses than any other area of the state. For additional information visit ColdwaterCountry.com or call (517) 278-0241.
America’s duck factory is even better this season,” said 32-year veteran duck hunting guide Kyle Blanchfield. He was referring to Devils Lake, North Dakota, tucked amongst the prairie pothole region where spring waterfowl surveys showed duck populations up 20 percent.
He said Devils Lake has been a “go to” waterfowl hotspot since pioneer days. “This is a historic region for ducks and geese, and until recently was known more for waterfowl than fishing,” Blanchfield said. He owns Woodland Resort, caters to duck hunters and fishermen year round, and loves to hunt.
Devils Lake also receives a major boost from all the Manitoba and Saskatchewan waterfowl. “It’s been wet up there and the migrating flocks always come through here,” he said. “October and November are one of the greatest times to be here. Hunters head out in the mornings and fish in the afternoons. There’s nothing better for social distancing than being outdoors.”
Zippy Dahl, owner of the Perch Patrol guide service agrees. He loves fall fishing saying, “The walleyes are fattening up; they’re hungry; and any tactic will catch them. My personal best, 12.5 pounds, came in the fall.”
His favorite season follows. Ice fishing kicks into high gear on Dec. 15 and runs through March.
Based on last year, he had a one word answer about the perch action this winter, “GREAT!!” Walleyes will provide bonus action early and late every day. “The walleye numbers are the best in recent memory,” he said.
The Perch Patrol operates everyday with 11 guides locating and directing clients to the best spots. They provide all the tackle, heaters, CLAM shelters and electronics. They reach the fish in their tracked vehicles. Their open dates and packages are featured at perchpatrol.com.
See Devils Lake fishing and hunting reports, guide services and much more at devilslakend.com.
ICE FISHING KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR ON DEC. 15 AND RUNS THROUGH MARCH.