What Log Lake offers anglers
Log Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake in Kalkaska County that rewards anglers who understand its structure and seasonal patterns. The lake runs roughly 200 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds that hold fish year-round but make navigation and presentation a puzzle. Walleye are the primary draw—they're present in good numbers and respond well to live bait and jigs worked along the weed edges and deeper holes. Pike are abundant too, often aggressive, and a genuine bonus if you're targeting walleye but willing to switch tactics when they show up.
The character of Log Lake is defined by its weeds. Coontail, cabbage, and milfoil dominate the shallower flats, and these beds shift with the season. In spring and early summer, walleye suspend along the weed edges in 8 to 12 feet of water. By mid-summer, the weeds thicken and fish move deeper or hunt the open pockets within the beds. Fall brings a transition back to the edges as water cools and weeds begin to die back. Winter is productive if you can find the deeper holes—the lake has a few basins that reach 30 feet, and walleye congregate there under the ice.
Key Takeaways
- Log Lake holds walleye and pike in a shallow, weedy system where success depends on working weed edges and the few deeper holes rather than open water.
- Spring and fall offer the most consistent walleye bite along weed edges in 8 to 12 feet of water; summer requires deeper presentations or night fishing as weeds thicken.
- Live bait—shiners, crawlers, and leeches—outperforms artificials on this lake, especially when worked slowly along structure.
- A GPS unit and a good sonar are essential tools because the weed beds change and the deeper holes are small targets in a shallow lake.
- Kalkaska County boat launch and lodging information is available through the Kalkaska County Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
Spring walleye along the weed edges
Spring is when Log Lake walleye are most predictable. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move from the deepest holes into the shallower flats and suspend along the weed edges. Target depths of 8 to 12 feet with live shiners or crawlers on a simple jig-and-live-bait rig. Work the edges slowly—the fish are not aggressive yet, and a crawling presentation often outperforms anything faster.
Early morning and late evening are prime, but spring walleye on Log Lake will bite throughout the day if you're patient. The weed edges on the north and east sides of the lake tend to warm first and hold fish earlier in the season. A 1/8-ounce jig with a live shiner is a reliable starting point; if you're not getting bites after 20 minutes on an edge, move to the next one rather than grinding on dead water.
Summer: deeper holes and night fishing
By mid-June, the weed beds on Log Lake thicken dramatically, and daytime walleye fishing becomes difficult. The fish either move into the few deeper basins—particularly the hole on the south end that reaches 28 to 30 feet—or they hunt the open pockets within the weed beds at night. Many anglers switch to night fishing in summer, working the shallow flats with live bait under a lantern or headlamp. Pike are often more cooperative during the day, so if you're fishing midday, target pike in the thick weeds with larger shiners or small crankbaits.
If you prefer daytime walleye fishing in summer, focus on the deeper hole and work live bait vertically or with a slow drag along the bottom. A slip-sinker rig with a live leech or crawler works well here. The bite is slower than spring, but the fish are there, and you'll avoid the weed-choked shallows entirely.
Fall transition and winter structure
Fall is Log Lake's second-best season. As water cools in September and October, walleye move back to the weed edges, and the bite becomes active again. The weeds begin to thin, which makes navigation easier and presentations more effective. Live bait along the edges in 10 to 15 feet of water produces steady action. The water clarity improves too, so use slightly lighter line and smaller baits than you would in spring.
Winter fishing on Log Lake requires finding the deeper holes. The lake's deepest basin, on the south end, is the primary winter hangout. Tip-ups with live shiners work well, as do jigging presentations with live bait or small spoons. The bite is typically slower than open-water seasons, but the fish are concentrated, and a day of winter fishing can still yield solid numbers if you're on the right spot.
Tackle and technique for weedy water
Log Lake demands tackle that handles weeds without snagging constantly. A 1/8-ounce jig head with a live bait is the workhorse here—light enough to feel the bottom and weed contact, heavy enough to cast and control. Pair it with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon; braided line will catch weeds more readily. A slip-sinker rig with a live leech or crawler is equally effective and sometimes less prone to snagging if you keep the sinker just above the bottom.
Pike respond to larger presentations—3- to 4-inch shiners, small crankbaits, or soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Work them around the weed edges and in the open pockets. Pike on Log Lake are not subtle, and they'll hit a moving bait aggressively. Use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs.
Navigation and finding fish on Log Lake
A GPS unit is nearly essential on Log Lake. The weed beds shift, and the deeper holes are small targets in a shallow lake. Mark the edges where you catch fish, and return to those spots in future seasons—structure on this lake is stable year to year. A good sonar unit will show you the weed tops, the open pockets, and the deeper basins. Spend your first trip mapping the lake rather than fishing hard; the time invested pays dividends.
The north and east sides of the lake tend to be slightly deeper and less weedy than the west side, making them easier to navigate early in the season. The south end holds the deepest water and is worth exploring once you're comfortable with the lake's layout.
Access and regulations
Log Lake has a public boat launch on the north end, accessible via Kalkaska County roads. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources website lists current access points and any seasonal closures. Walleye and pike are both open year-round on Log Lake, but check the current Michigan fishing guide for size and bag limits—these can change. A Michigan fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older.
The lake is lightly pressured compared to larger Kalkaska County lakes, which means fish are less spooky but also means fewer anglers to learn from. Local bait shops in Kalkaska can provide current conditions and recent catch reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Log Lake?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, weeds are manageable, and walleye are active along the edges. Summer is possible but requires deeper presentations or night fishing. Winter is productive if you can find the deeper holes and are comfortable ice fishing.
Do I need a boat to fish Log Lake?
A boat makes the lake much more fishable because of the weed beds and the need to reach the deeper holes and weed edges. Shore fishing is possible from the launch area, but you'll be limited to shallow water and won't access the best structure. A small aluminum boat or canoe works fine here.
What size walleye and pike does Log Lake hold?
Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish into the low 20s. Pike run larger—18 to 24 inches is common, and the lake produces pike into the 28- to 30-inch range. The population is healthy, and fish are catchable rather than trophy-focused.
Is Log Lake crowded?
No. Log Lake sees far less pressure than larger Kalkaska County lakes. You may have stretches of shoreline to yourself, especially on weekdays. This makes it a good choice if you prefer a quieter experience, though it also means fewer local anglers to share information with.
Can I use live bait year-round on Log Lake?
Yes. Live shiners, crawlers, and leeches are legal and effective in all seasons. Check the current Michigan fishing guide for any restrictions on specific bait types, as regulations can change.