Craig Lake fishing

Fishing at Craig Lake has Muskellunge on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.2 times a year since 2005, most often in October and November. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

November 13, 2024

Plants on record

4

Since 2005

Species recorded

1

Surface acres

358.3

Access and facts

Boat ramp
No
Facilities
camping

At the center of remote Craig Lake State Park; reachable only on foot or by paddling, with no road or boat-ramp access. The park offers rustic camping.

Sources: access.boat_ramp , shore_notes , facilities , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How Craig Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the first week of October. In 2024 it was November 13, 2024, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 16 years between 2005 and 2024.

About 4.8 reported fish per acre, the fewest of 10 lakes in Baraga County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Lake Arfelin (6 mi) was stocked more recently.

Fish at Craig Lake

Fishing Craig Lake is most likely to be for Muskellunge. All 4 plants on record are Muskellunge.

Around the dates Craig Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 44.5°F in October, 30.5°F in November. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo

Muskellunge 4 plants
Plants
4 of 4
Last stocked
November 13, 2024

Seasons and rigs are on the Muskellunge guide.

Fishing Craig Lake

Craig Lake is found within a remote public recreation area in Craig Lake State Park. Fishing is offered for muskellunge and northern pike here. The state park features several lakes that are accessible only by foot or paddling, including an eight-mile loop around Craig Lake, providing a secluded fishing experience.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What to watch for

Access to Craig Lake can be challenging, as the state park mentions its lakes are accessible only by foot or paddling. The park is also characterized by rugged hiking trails, which may pose difficulties for reaching fishing spots.

Fish stocked per year

  • 4992005
  • 3002014
  • 4522018
  • 4582024

Stocking history

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
November 13, 2024 Muskellunge 458 – report
October 3, 2018 Muskellunge 452 – report
October 3, 2014 Muskellunge 300 – report
November 2, 2005 Muskellunge 499 – report

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes