What Half Moon Lake Offers

Half Moon Lake is a 300-acre inland lake in Montmorency County in the northern Lower Peninsula, roughly 40 miles south of Alpena. It holds a solid walleye population, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with occasional panfish in the shallows. The lake sits in a quiet area with limited development, making it a good choice if you want to fish without heavy boat traffic. Water clarity is moderate — you'll see 4 to 6 feet down on a clear day — and the bottom is a mix of sand, muck, and scattered vegetation.

The lake reaches a maximum depth of about 35 feet, with most of the basin between 15 and 25 feet. Walleye fishing is the main draw here. They're present year-round but most active in spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October). Pike fishing peaks in spring and again in late summer when they move into deeper water. Bass are there but not the primary target; most anglers who catch them do so while casting for pike in the weed edges.

Key Takeaways

  • Half Moon Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye fishing as the strongest draw from April through June and September through October.
  • Public access is available at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources boat launch on the north shore; no private launches exist on the lake.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required; walleye and pike are subject to state daily bag limits and size restrictions that vary by species and season.
  • The lake is best fished from a boat; shore fishing is limited to a few spots near the launch and along the eastern bank where road access exists.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye and pike is possible from December through early March, though ice conditions vary and should be checked locally before heading out.

Getting to Half Moon Lake and Where to Launch

Half Moon Lake is accessed via M-33, which runs north-south through Montmorency County. From Alpena, take M-33 south for about 40 miles toward Atlanta. The public boat launch is on the north shore, reached by turning east off M-33 onto Forest Road 4417 (also called Half Moon Lake Road). The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area — typically room for 8 to 10 vehicles. There is no fuel dock, no bait shop, and no facilities beyond the ramp itself.

The nearest town with services is Atlanta, Michigan, about 8 miles south. Atlanta has a small grocery, a gas station, and a few restaurants, but no dedicated fishing shops. Alpena, 40 miles north, has more options including tackle shops and lodging. Cell service on the lake is spotty; do not rely on it for emergencies. The launch area is maintained by the Michigan DNR and is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Patterns

Walleye are the primary target on Half Moon Lake. In spring (April through May), they move into 8 to 12 feet of water along the north and west shorelines, where they feed heavily before spawning. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well; cast parallel to the shoreline and work the drop-off where sand transitions to deeper muck. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though walleye here will bite through midday if you stay in deeper water.

Fall fishing (September through October) is often more consistent. Walleye move back into 12 to 18 feet of water as the lake cools, and they feed aggressively to prepare for winter. Trolling with crankbaits or live-bait rigs along the deeper edges produces steady results. The eastern and southern portions of the lake have the most consistent depth structure for fall trolling. Winter ice fishing is also viable from December through early March; tip-ups with live minnows set in 15 to 20 feet of water produce walleye, though you must check ice thickness before venturing out — local conditions vary year to year.

Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass

Northern pike are present and can reach 30 inches, though most caught run 18 to 24 inches. Spring is the best time to target them; they move into shallow weed beds and along the shoreline in April and May. Large spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and topwater lures draw strikes. The western shore and the area around the inlet stream (on the north end) hold pike in spring. Pike fishing slows considerably in summer as they retreat to deeper, cooler water, but they become active again in late August and September as water temperatures drop.

Largemouth bass are present but secondary to walleye and pike. They concentrate in weed beds along the eastern and southern shores, particularly in water 6 to 10 feet deep. Soft plastics and small crankbaits work during early morning and evening hours. Most bass caught here are incidental to pike fishing, though dedicated bass anglers can find consistent action in the weed edges during June and July.

Regulations and Licensing

Michigan fishing requires a valid state fishing license, available online through the Michigan DNR website or at any authorized vendor. A license costs the same whether you fish for one day or the full year; day licenses are available but annual licenses are more economical if you plan multiple trips.

Walleye on Half Moon Lake are subject to a daily bag limit of 5 fish per person, with a minimum size of 15 inches. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a minimum size of 24 inches. Largemouth bass follow the statewide limit of 5 fish per day with a 12-inch minimum. These regulations can change; check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go. Catch-and-release is always an option and helps maintain the fishery, particularly for pike.

When to Fish Half Moon Lake

Spring (April through May) is the most popular season. Water temperatures are rising, walleye and pike are feeding heavily, and the weather is generally stable. Expect moderate boat traffic on weekends. Summer (June through August) sees fewer walleye caught, though pike and bass fishing remains decent in early morning and evening. The lake can be quiet on weekdays but busier on weekends.

Fall (September through October) is excellent for walleye and pike. Water temperatures drop, fish feed aggressively, and the weather is often clearer than spring. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking ice conditions; the lake typically freezes by mid-December and ice-out occurs in early April, though timing varies. Winter fishing is quieter than other seasons and appeals to anglers who enjoy the solitude.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring a boat — shore fishing is limited and unproductive on most of the lake. A 16 to 20-foot boat is typical for Half Moon Lake; the water is calm enough for smaller craft, but wind can pick up quickly on open water. Stock your tackle box with jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live minnows or shiners (4 to 6 inches), soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, and crankbaits in natural colors. A depth finder is useful for locating structure and suspended fish, particularly in fall and winter.

Weather can change rapidly in northern Michigan. Bring rain gear and a windbreaker even on clear mornings. The lake has no services, so pack food, water, and a first-aid kit. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential in spring and summer. Cell service is unreliable; tell someone on shore where you're going and when you expect to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Half Moon Lake without a boat?

Shore fishing is possible but limited. The boat launch area has a small beach where you can wade and cast, and the eastern shore has road access in a few spots. However, most of the productive water is 12 feet or deeper and requires a boat to reach. If you don't have one, renting from a nearby lake or hiring a guide are options worth exploring.

What size walleye and pike should I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 14 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 22 inches. Pike average 18 to 24 inches, and fish over 28 inches are caught but not common. The lake is not known for trophy-sized fish, but it produces steady action and a good mix of keeper-sized fish.

Is a guide worth hiring on Half Moon Lake?

Half Moon Lake is small enough that you can learn it on your own in a few trips, especially if you use a depth finder. Guides are available through outfitters in Alpena and can save time if you're visiting for only a day or two. Expect to pay standard northern Michigan guide rates, which vary by outfitter.

What's the best bait for walleye here?

Live shiners or minnows (4 to 6 inches) are most effective, particularly in spring and fall. Soft plastics like 4-inch paddle-tail swimbaits also work well and allow you to cover more water. Jigs tipped with minnows combine both approaches and are a solid all-around choice.

Can I fish Half Moon Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible from December through early March. Walleye and pike are caught through the ice using tip-ups with live minnows. Always check ice thickness before going out — safe ice is at least 4 inches thick for walking and 5 to 7 inches for a vehicle. Local conditions vary, so ask at the launch or contact the Montmorency County DNR office before your trip.