What Cedar Lake Offers and When to Fish It

Cedar Lake is a shallow, weedy system in Michigan's lower peninsula that holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and averages 20 to 25 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and muck bottom that make it a productive but challenging fishery. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons — walleye bite well in May and again in September through October, while pike are active year-round in the deeper channels between weed beds.

Summer fishing is possible but requires patience. The lake warms quickly and fish move into deeper water and heavy vegetation. Early morning and evening trips work better than midday, and you'll spend more time picking apart specific weed edges than casting randomly. Winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd for walleye and panfish, though the shallow depth means ice-out happens earlier than on deeper lakes nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake is a 1,200-acre shallow lake best fished in spring (May) and fall (September–October) when walleye are most active.
  • Weed beds dominate the structure; focus on edges, channels, and deeper pockets rather than open water.
  • Public access is available at the state boat launch on the north shore; no private launch fees apply.
  • Michigan fishing license and inland water stamp are required; walleye and pike have specific bag limits and size restrictions that change annually.
  • Trolling crankbaits and live-bait rigging work well for walleye; pike respond to larger lures and live shiners.

Access and Launch Information

Cedar Lake has one public boat launch managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, located on the north shore near the town of Cadillac. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area; it fills up on weekends during peak season. There is no launch fee. The ramp is maintained year-round, though winter conditions can make access difficult — call ahead to the Cadillac area DNR office if you're planning an off-season trip.

Shore fishing is possible along the north and east sides of the lake, though much of the shoreline is residential. A few public access points exist along county roads, but they are limited and often unmarked. Your best bet is the boat launch if you have a trailer or a small electric motor. The lake is shallow enough that a 9.9 hp motor is sufficient, and many anglers use canoes or kayaks to reach weed beds in the shallower bays.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak

Walleye are the primary target on Cedar Lake, and May is the most consistent month. Fish move into 8 to 15 feet of water along weed edges and channel breaks as the lake warms. Live-bait rigging with shiners or crawlers works well — use a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig head and keep your bait near the bottom or just above the weeds. Trolling crankbaits in the 2 to 4 inch range along deeper weed edges also produces, especially early in the morning.

Fall fishing (September through mid-October) is equally strong. Walleye move back into shallower water as the lake cools, and you can find them in 6 to 12 feet along the same weed edges. Jigging with live bait is more effective in fall than trolling, because fish are less aggressive and prefer a slower presentation. Dawn and dusk are critical — midday fishing is slow even in fall.

Winter ice fishing for walleye is popular and productive. Fish congregate in the deeper channels and holes, typically 18 to 25 feet. Jigging small spoons or live shiners under the ice works well. Check current ice thickness before heading out, and always fish with a partner. The Michigan DNR website lists ice conditions for popular lakes, though Cedar Lake is not always updated — call the Cadillac area office for the most recent report.

Northern Pike and Bass in Weed Beds

Northern pike thrive in Cedar Lake's weedy shallows and are active from April through October. Fish the edges of dense weed beds in 6 to 12 feet of water, using larger lures — 4 to 6 inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or live shiners. Pike are aggressive and will chase lures in shallow water, so don't be afraid to cast right into the weeds and work your lure out slowly. Early morning and late evening are best, but pike will bite throughout the day if you're fishing the right structure.

Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than pike. They hold in the same weed beds and respond to soft plastics, topwater lures, and small crankbaits. Bass fishing is best in May and June before the lake gets too warm and weedy. Summer bass fishing requires flipping into thick cover and is more technical than pike fishing — most anglers focus on walleye and pike instead.

Panfish and Summer Fishing

Bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed sunfish are abundant in Cedar Lake's shallow bays and weed beds. Summer is the best season for panfish — they're active and easy to catch on small jigs, live crickets, or wax worms. Fish the shallower bays (4 to 8 feet) along weed edges, and you can catch panfish consistently from June through August. A light spinning rod and small jigs make for fun, relaxing fishing when walleye and pike are slow.

Panfish are also reliable in spring and fall, though they're less of a focus for most anglers. Winter ice fishing for panfish is popular and productive — drill holes in 12 to 18 feet of water and jig small spoons or live shiners. Panfish have no size or bag limit restrictions in Michigan, so you can keep as many as you want.

Regulations, Licenses, and Seasonal Timing

You need a valid Michigan fishing license and an inland water stamp to fish Cedar Lake. Both are available online through the Michigan DNR website or at most bait shops in Cadillac. A license costs roughly $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents (annual rates vary). The inland water stamp is an additional $10 and is required for all inland lake fishing.

Walleye and pike have specific bag limits and size restrictions that change annually — check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go. As of recent seasons, walleye have a 45-inch minimum size and a daily bag limit of 3 fish, while pike have a 24-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. These rules change, so verify them on the Michigan DNR website or call the Cadillac area office. Panfish have no size or bag restrictions.

The lake is open year-round for fishing. Spring season (April–May) is best for walleye. Summer (June–August) is slower for walleye but good for panfish and bass. Fall (September–October) is excellent for walleye and pike. Winter ice fishing runs from December through February, depending on ice conditions.

What to Bring and Local Services

Cedar Lake is close to Cadillac, a small town with bait shops, gas, and basic supplies. The nearest full-service tackle shop is in Cadillac, about 10 minutes from the launch. Stock up on shiners, crawlers, and jigs before you arrive — the bait shop may not have everything you need, especially on weekends. Bring your own cooler, life jackets, and a map or GPS unit; cell service is spotty on the water.

Lodging options include motels and vacation rentals in Cadillac and nearby towns. There is no campground directly on Cedar Lake, but several state and private campgrounds are within 20 minutes. The lake itself has no facilities at the boat launch beyond the ramp and parking area — bring water and snacks for the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Cedar Lake?

May and September through October are the strongest months for walleye. Spring (April–May) offers consistent bites in shallow water along weed edges. Fall is equally good and often less crowded. Summer is slower for walleye but works for panfish and pike. Winter ice fishing is productive if you have access to a safe ice fishing setup.

Can I fish Cedar Lake with a canoe or kayak?

Yes. The lake is shallow and weedy, making it ideal for small boats and paddled craft. You can launch a canoe or kayak from the public ramp or from shore in several places. Stay aware of weed beds and shallow areas, especially in summer when vegetation is thickest. A small electric motor is allowed and helpful for covering water.

What size lures and baits work best?

For walleye, use 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs with live shiners or crawlers, or troll 2 to 4 inch crankbaits. Pike respond to 4 to 6 inch lures and live shiners. Panfish bite on small jigs, crickets, and wax worms. Match your lure size to the depth and weed density — shallower, weedier areas call for smaller, lighter presentations.

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Lake?

A boat makes fishing easier, but it's not required. Shore fishing is possible along the north and east sides, though access is limited. A canoe or kayak lets you reach weed beds and deeper water without a motor. The public boat launch is your main access point if you have a trailer.

What's the water depth on Cedar Lake?

Cedar Lake averages 20 to 25 feet deep, with shallower bays and weed beds in 4 to 12 feet. The deepest holes reach 30 to 35 feet. Most fishing happens in 6 to 18 feet of water along weed edges and channel breaks. Summer and winter fishing often requires moving to deeper water as fish move away from shallow, warm areas.