What Clone Lake offers and when to fish it

Clone Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment in Montmorency County in the northern Lower Peninsula, roughly 20 miles northeast of Atlanta. The lake runs about 300 acres and holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish — primarily bluegill and pumpkinseed. The water is stained to murky depending on season and recent rainfall, and the bottom is soft muck with heavy aquatic vegetation that dominates the shallower bays and the lake's perimeter.

The lake is best fished from May through September. Spring walleye fishing peaks in May and early June when fish move into slightly deeper water adjacent to the weed edges. Summer pike action is strong in the same period, particularly in early morning and evening when the weeds are thickest. Fall (September through early October) brings another walleye window as water cools and fish become more active throughout the day.

Winter access is possible but limited — the lake does freeze solid, and ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April. Few anglers target Clone Lake in winter, and access roads can become impassable.

Key Takeaways

  • Clone Lake holds walleye and northern pike in a shallow, heavily vegetated setting that requires weed-aware techniques and patience.
  • The best fishing window is May through September, with peak walleye action in May-June and again in September as water cools.
  • Public access is available at a small state-maintained launch on the north shore; the lake has no commercial services or rental facilities nearby.
  • Regulations follow Michigan's statewide rules, with a five-fish walleye daily limit and a 24-inch minimum size for pike.
  • Weed control and water level management are ongoing, so conditions can shift year to year — contact the local DNR office before your trip to confirm current access and structure.

Access and launch facilities

Clone Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking — typically room for 6 to 8 vehicles. There is no fuel, bait, or food service at the lake itself. The nearest town with supplies is Atlanta, about 20 miles south, which has a small grocery and a couple of gas stations but no dedicated tackle shops.

The launch road is gravel and can become rutted or muddy after heavy rain. In spring, when snowmelt is still draining, the approach can be soft. Call the Montmorency County Road Commission or the local DNR field office before launching in April or May if you are unsure about conditions.

There is no overnight camping at the lake. The nearest public campground is Pigeon River Country State Forest, about 15 miles west, which offers rustic sites with vault toilets and hand pumps. Private campgrounds and motels are available in Atlanta and in Grayling, about 40 miles south.

Species, seasonal patterns, and what to expect

Walleye are the primary target. Clone Lake's walleye population is maintained through stocking and natural reproduction, though the lake is not known for trophy fish — most walleye run 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. In May and early June, walleye move into the deeper basins (8 to 12 feet) and along the weed edges on the north and east shores. Live bait — shiners or small crawfish — fished on a slip sinker rig or a simple jig-and-minnow combination works well. As water warms through July and August, walleye move deeper or become nocturnal; many anglers shift to night fishing or focus on the coolest water near the lake's deepest basin (roughly 18 feet in the center). September cooling brings walleye back into shallower water and makes daytime fishing productive again.

Northern pike are abundant and aggressive. Clone Lake's pike population is healthy, and fish in the 20- to 28-inch range are common. Pike prefer the weed edges and the shallow bays where they hunt panfish and young-of-year walleye. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and large soft plastics (6 to 8 inches) work well. Early morning and late evening are most productive. Pike fishing is best in May, June, and again in September; summer pike can be caught but require patience and a willingness to fish low-light periods.

Panfish — bluegill and pumpkinseed — are plentiful and provide reliable action for anglers targeting smaller fish or families. They concentrate in the shallow bays and along the weed line. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with wax worms or small minnows work well. Panfish are active from May through September and are least pressured in mid-summer when most anglers focus on walleye and pike.

Regulations and licensing

Clone Lake falls under Michigan's statewide fishing regulations. A valid Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. Licenses are available online through the Michigan DNR website, at the launch area (if a self-service station is present), or at sporting goods stores in Atlanta and Grayling.

Daily catch limits are five walleye per person with a 15-inch minimum size (one fish may be 24 inches or longer). Northern pike have a daily limit of five fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and other sunfish) have a 25-fish daily limit with no minimum size. Possession limits are the same as daily limits. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before your trip, as regulations can change year to year.

The lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on ice conditions and road maintenance. There are no special restrictions or closures specific to Clone Lake.

Tackle and techniques for shallow, weedy water

Clone Lake's shallow, vegetation-heavy character demands weed-aware tackle and a willingness to work around obstacles. Walleye fishing benefits from a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod paired with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Braided line cuts through weeds more easily and provides better sensitivity in stained water. Jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows are the most reliable approach; cast along the weed edge and work the jig slowly along the bottom.

Pike fishing calls for heavier tackle — a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to resist pike teeth. Spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) and large soft plastics (6 to 8 inches on a 1/4-ounce jig head) are the most effective lures. Cast to the weed edges and work the lure with a steady retrieve or a lift-and-drop pattern.

Panfish tackle can be light — a 5- to 6-foot ultralight spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line and small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce). Wax worms, small minnows, and even small soft plastics work well. Panfish are less weed-sensitive than walleye and pike, so you can fish more openly in the shallow bays.

Water conditions and seasonal changes

Clone Lake's water clarity varies with season and rainfall. In spring, snowmelt and runoff often make the water murky (visibility 1 to 3 feet). By mid-summer, clarity typically improves to 3 to 5 feet, though heavy rain can cloud it again. Fall clarity is usually best, with 4 to 6 feet of visibility. Stained water favors darker lures and live bait over artificials; in clearer water, lighter colors and smaller presentations often work better.

Water temperature drives fish behavior. Spring (May) water is typically 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit; walleye are active and shallow. Summer (July–August) surface water reaches 70 to 75 degrees, pushing walleye deeper or nocturnal. Fall (September) cools to 55 to 65 degrees, bringing walleye back to shallower, daytime-fishable zones. Winter ice-out occurs in late March or early April.

Aquatic vegetation is heavy and persistent. The lake's shallow bays and perimeter are choked with coontail, water lilies, and pondweed. Weed control efforts occur periodically, but the lake's soft-bottom character means vegetation returns quickly. Check with the local DNR office about recent weed management — it can open or close fishing zones year to year.

Nearby fishing and lodging options

If Clone Lake does not meet your needs or if you want to explore other water, the Pigeon River system (15 miles west) offers smallmouth bass and walleye in a flowing-water setting. Sturgeon River (20 miles north) is a smaller stream fishery with brook trout and brown trout. Both are within an hour's drive.

Lodging in Atlanta is basic — a couple of small motels and a few vacation rental properties. Grayling, 40 miles south, has more options including chain hotels, restaurants, and a larger grocery. Both towns have gas stations and general supplies. If you plan to stay overnight, book ahead during May and June when fishing pressure is highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Clone Lake year-round?

Yes, the lake is open year-round under Michigan regulations. Winter fishing is possible when the lake is frozen solid, but ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April. Few anglers target Clone Lake in winter, and access roads can become impassable after heavy snow.

What is the best time to catch walleye at Clone Lake?

May and early June are peak walleye season when fish are shallow and active. September is the second-best window as water cools. July and August are slower for daytime fishing; many anglers switch to night fishing or focus on the deepest basins during these months.

Do I need a guide or special permit to fish Clone Lake?

No. A standard Michigan fishing license is all you need. There are no special permits, closures, or guide requirements. The lake is open to the public via the state-maintained launch on the north shore.

Are there pike in Clone Lake, and how big do they get?

Yes, pike are abundant. Most fish run 20 to 28 inches, with occasional larger specimens. Pike are aggressive and provide reliable action, especially in early morning and evening during May, June, and September.

What should I bring if there are no services at the lake?

Bring all fuel, food, bait, and tackle with you. The nearest supplies are in Atlanta, 20 miles south. A cooler with ice, plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. In spring and fall, bring layers for cool mornings and evenings.