What Burt Lake Offers and When to Fish It

Burt Lake is a shallow inland lake in the northern Lower Peninsula, roughly 30 miles south of the Mackinac Strait. It holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and perch in water that averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with a maximum depth around 40 feet. The lake sits in Cheboygan County and connects to the Indian River system, which links it to Mullett Lake and eventually to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac.

Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through October), when fish move into shallower water to feed. Summer walleye fishing is possible but requires deeper presentations and night fishing. Pike are active year-round but are most catchable in spring and fall. Perch fishing is consistent throughout the open-water season, particularly in summer when they school in predictable depths. Winter ice fishing for walleye and perch draws local anglers from December through February.

Key Takeaways

  • Burt Lake is a shallow lake best known for walleye and northern pike, with spring and fall offering the most reliable fishing.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; you can purchase it online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at any authorized vendor.
  • Public boat launch access is available at the Burt Lake State Park launch and at several private marinas around the lake.
  • Walleye have a 15-inch minimum size limit with a daily bag limit of five fish; pike and perch have different limits that you should verify before fishing.
  • The lake is accessible year-round, but summer brings the most boat traffic and crowds, while spring and fall offer calmer conditions and better fishing.

How to Access Burt Lake and Where to Launch

The primary public boat launch is at Burt Lake State Park, located on the south shore of the lake near the town of Grayling. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small day-use fee (typically $5 to $10, though fees vary by season). The park also has picnic facilities and a small beach area. From Grayling, take M-27 north toward Vanderbilt, then follow signs to the state park.

Several private marinas operate around the lake and offer launch services, fuel, and rental boats if you do not have your own. Burt Lake Marina and other independent operators are scattered along the shoreline; call ahead to confirm current hours and launch fees, as these change seasonally. If you are towing a boat, confirm that the launch has adequate parking before you arrive, especially on summer weekends.

Road access to the lake is straightforward from US-27 or M-27. The nearest towns with lodging and supplies are Grayling (about 15 miles south) and Vanderbilt (about 10 miles north). Cell service can be spotty on the water, so download offline maps or carry a paper map of the lake.

Walleye Fishing: Spring, Fall, and Night Tactics

Walleye are the primary target for many Burt Lake anglers. In spring (April and May), fish move into 8 to 15 feet of water along the drop-offs and weed edges on the south and east shores. Live bait—shiners, chubs, or crawfish—fished on a slip sinker rig or under a bobber produces consistently. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics also work well in these shallower zones.

Summer walleye fishing requires patience and night fishing. During the day, fish retreat to deeper water (25 to 35 feet) and are less active. After dark, they move shallower to feed, and casting crankbaits or soft plastics along the weed line and shallow structure can be productive. Many anglers fish from dusk through midnight during June, July, and August.

Fall (September and October) mirrors spring conditions: walleye return to shallower feeding zones, and daytime fishing becomes reliable again. This is often considered the best season on Burt Lake because the water cools, fish feed more aggressively, and the lake is less crowded than in summer.

Northern Pike and Bass in Weedy Structure

Northern pike thrive in Burt Lake's extensive weed beds and are present year-round. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but pike will strike throughout summer if you target the thickest weed cover and deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats. Large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs are effective; pike are aggressive hunters and do not require subtle presentations.

Largemouth bass are less abundant than pike but are present in the same weed-heavy areas. Summer is the most productive season for bass, particularly early morning and late evening. Soft plastics rigged Texas-style, crankbaits, and topwater lures work in the shallow, weedy zones on the north and west shores.

Both species benefit from a slow, methodical approach: cast to visible weed edges, work the lure through or along the vegetation, and be ready for a hard strike. Pike and bass in shallow lakes like Burt often hit with force, so use a quality rod with enough backbone to set the hook and control a large fish through weeds.

Perch Fishing and Summer Panfish Opportunities

Yellow perch are abundant on Burt Lake and provide consistent action, especially in summer. Perch school in predictable depths—typically 12 to 20 feet—and can be located by slowly motoring and watching your sounder for tight clusters of fish. Once you find a school, anchor or hold position and fish small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with minnow heads or live shiners.

Perch fishing is ideal for families and newer anglers because the action is usually fast and the fish are not difficult to catch. A single productive spot can yield dozens of fish in an hour. The state has a generous perch bag limit, so you can keep a substantial meal if you choose to.

Bluegill and other panfish are also present in shallow bays and weed-edge areas. These fish are easiest to catch in early summer and again in fall, using small spinners, poppers, or live crickets and worms.

Michigan Fishing License and Regulations

A valid Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 years old or older. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) website, by phone, or at any authorized vendor (sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some gas stations). Licenses are available as one-day, three-day, or annual options. A one-day license costs less than $10; an annual resident license is typically around $25 to $30.

Walleye on Burt Lake have a 15-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum with a bag limit of five. Yellow perch have a 7-inch minimum with a generous bag limit (often 50 fish per day, though this can vary). Always check the current MDNR fishing guide before you fish, as regulations can change year to year.

Catch-and-release is permitted for all species, and many anglers practice it to maintain the fishery. If you keep fish, follow size and bag limits strictly; Michigan conservation officers patrol the lake and enforce regulations.

When to Fish and What to Expect by Season

Spring (April through May) brings the most reliable walleye fishing and the fewest crowds. Water temperatures range from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and fish are actively feeding. Expect variable weather and occasional rain; bring layers and a rain jacket.

Summer (June through August) is the busiest season. The lake fills with recreational boaters, jet skis, and families, which can make fishing challenging during midday. Early morning and evening fishing is most productive. Water temperatures reach 70 to 75 degrees, and walleye fishing requires deeper presentations or night fishing.

Fall (September through October) offers excellent walleye and pike fishing with calmer conditions and fewer boats. Water temperatures cool to 55 to 65 degrees, and fish feed actively in preparation for winter. This is many anglers' favorite season on Burt Lake.

Winter (December through February) brings ice fishing for walleye and perch. The lake typically freezes by mid-December, and ice thickness reaches 12 to 18 inches by January. Ice fishing requires a separate license endorsement and different equipment, but it can be productive and offers a quieter experience.

Nearby Resources and Lodging

Grayling, about 15 miles south of Burt Lake, is the nearest town with full services. It has gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and several motels and vacation rentals. The Grayling Chamber of Commerce can provide lodging options and information about other attractions in the area.

Vanderbilt, a smaller town about 10 miles north, has a few local businesses and is closer to the lake. Both towns are within an hour's drive of Mackinaw City and the Straits of Mackinac, so you can combine a Burt Lake trip with other northern Michigan attractions.

Bait and tackle shops in Grayling and Vanderbilt stock live bait, lures, and fishing supplies. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially in shoulder seasons. Local anglers and shop staff often have current information about what is working on the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Burt Lake?

A boat is the most practical way to fish Burt Lake, but shore fishing is possible in limited areas around the state park and some private property (with permission). Most productive walleye and pike water requires boat access. Rental boats are available at marinas if you do not have your own.

What is the best time of year to fish Burt Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable seasons for walleye and pike. Summer offers consistent perch fishing and is best early morning or after dark. Winter ice fishing is productive but requires specialized equipment and a separate license endorsement.

Can I fish Burt Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is popular from December through February when the lake freezes. You need a Michigan fishing license plus an ice fishing endorsement. Walleye and perch are the primary targets. Check ice thickness before venturing out, and follow all safety guidelines for ice fishing.

What size fish can I keep from Burt Lake?

Walleye must be at least 15 inches; pike must be at least 24 inches; perch must be at least 7 inches. Bag limits vary by species. Check the current MDNR fishing guide for exact limits, as they can change annually.

Are there other lakes near Burt Lake worth fishing?

Yes. Mullett Lake, directly connected to Burt Lake via the Indian River, is larger and also holds walleye and pike. Several smaller inland lakes in the area (Vanderbilt Lake, Otsego Lake) offer similar fishing. The Mackinac Strait and Lake Huron are within an hour's drive if you want to explore different species and conditions.