Lake of the Week, Aug. 21: Orchard Lake

[SC Mike]

http://sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/SC_lakeoftheweek.gif (http://sportsmansconnection.com)

Surface water area: 788 acres
Maximum depth: 110 ft.
Water clarity: Clear

Nearest town: Pontiac South
Latitude / Longitude: 42 35.20 / 83 22.20

Accessibility: State-owned public access on south shore; hard-sur-
faced ramp can handle large boats; parking for 63 vehicles
Accommodations: Courtesy pier, toilets

http://sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Orchard.gif (http://www.sportsmansconnection.com)

http://sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Orchard-lake-species-sample.gif


Fish Stocking Data: No Record of Stocking


Fishing Information: Formerly known as a place to catch a
trophy northern pike, Orchard Lake in Oakland County is now
known more as an excellent smallmouth bass fishery. Orchard
has a maximum depth of 110 feet and is rarely shallower than 20
feet. That is a good thing, due the excellent water clarity. The
fish won't be spooked as easily since they can hang out in deeper
water.

According to Kelly Bridgewater of KD Outdoors, 7688
Highland Road, Waterford, MI 48327, (248) 666-7799, the small-
ies are abundant in the 15- to 16-inch length range. White and
dark green are the bass' colors of choice in this lake. Hula Pop-
pers and Jitterbugs in those colors, or anything else that breaks
the surface, should land some bass in summer. If the fish are
spawning, drag a lure over the shallow flats just south of Apple
Island (Spot 1). The weedlines at the south end of the lake in
rocky structure (Spot 2) also should hold some decent smallies.

The same information applies to the largemouth bass population
in Orchard. In the summer of 2001, three Michigan Master Angler
entries were made for Orchard in the bass category. A6.81-
pound largemouth was caught on a live crayfish on June 23. On
July 16, a 23.25-incher was caught and released, and two days
later the same angler caught a 22.25-incher. So make no mistake,
lunker bass are definitely in this lake.

There also are some nice pike, but these days, the alligators are not
as abundant as they were 15 years ago. In fact, Bridgewater says you
might even consider them scarce. Fishing the south-end weedlines, just to
the left of the access in about 20 feet of water (Spot 3), is the best
way to locate a pike, and spinnerbaits are probably your best bet for
inducing one to strike. Or try trolling a live sucker through the weeds.

Good numbers of panfish are present in Orchard. They
remain relatively small, however, probably because an abundance
of weeds allows them to hide from predators. This, in turn permits
them to reproduce in great numbers, creating stiff competition for
forage.

If you're determined to fish for the small sunnies and
papermouths, though, try waxworms and minnows near the
weeds.

You'll find fairly high numbers of walleyes in Orchard.
They average in the 15- to 16-inch range and will chase after a
shiner or a sucker. The drop-off just southwest of Apple Island in
about 30 feet of water (Spot 4) should produce some 'eyes. The
40-foot hole just northeast of Apple Island (Spot 5) is another
prime location for walleyes, and you might try the steep drop near
the inlet on the southwest side.

Ample ice-fishing opportunities are
available on Orchard. Northern pike and walleyes are the most
sought-after fish in the winter, but you can catch panfish through
the ice, as well.

Bridgewater says Orchard is a popular boating
destination, so fishing either in the morning or in the evening is a
good idea. Best to avoid the long, summer, holiday weekends if
you want to get any serious fishing done.

Sportsman's Connection is a leading publisher of lake maps and fishing information. (http://www.sportsmansconnection.com)
130-250 Michigan lakes are covered in each of 7 fishing map guides,
and are available for download at www.scmaps.com.

[jigworm]

I,ve been fishing this lake ALOT over the last 10 years and have yet to catch a single walleye. In fact I have never heard of one being caught and there isn't any DNR stocking info. Anybody ever caught one?
Pete

[waterfoul]

I,ve been fishing this lake ALOT over the last 10 years and have yet to catch a single walleye. In fact I have never heard of one being caught and there isn't any DNR stocking info. Anybody ever caught one?
Pete

Well, their sampling data doesn't show any walleye either.

[Frozenfish]

My buddy caught one out there about 3 weeks ago. It was a 22''er. Have the cell phone pic for proof. But that is the only one I've ever heard of being caught out of there.

[Michigan Mike]

I forget what year, but it was in the last 10 the dnr put in some keeper size ones in the fall, was a 1 time only experimental deal that I know of.
We did see a couple that winter in the shanty.
It's one of the best big pike and bluegill lakes I know of, better left for the fall and winter now with the amount of power boats on it.

The big gills are usually suspended in the middles in the summer like most other clear lakes I go to.
The smallmouth usually hang in the same areas as the big pike in August
there, deep edge of the weeds, inside or outside turn from about 16
to 24 ft was my best depth.
I always used live bait there, crawdads for the smallies and small chubs for the pike just working the drops.

Mike

[jigworm]

It does get crowded on the weekends so I'm usually off the water by 11. This past weekend was great. Saturday , in the rain, Caught 5 northerns, 4 smallies and about 25 largemouths. One other boat on the lake all morning. Spinnerbaits on 6-8 foot flats with weeds. Sunday caught 1 northern and probably 2 dozen largemouths before noon. Dingers and lizards.

Still don't see how they can say there are "fair numbers" of walleyes caught. BS in my book. The map also leaves a lot to be desired.

[alex-v]

Is there a source for better maps than the ones in the Sportsman's Connection map books?? The maps in those books are often a lot, lot better than the ones found on the DNR web site or that I have found in most bait shops.

[jigworm]

There probably isn't a better map at this time. This particular map is missing alot of secondary points and 3 sunken islands. Not a big deal, but I would be ticked off if I planned a fishing trip expecting to catch good numers of walleyes, only to find the lake doesn't have any. I understand they get their info secondhand, but at least verify it somehow. I own the cd's and use them a good bit.

[SC Mike]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. As I mentioned in the last lake of the week post, we are currently working on revising our Michigan line of books. We are working on fixing any problems with our maps or information that you guys are pointing out.

jigworm, would you mind marking the map where the sunken islands and any secondary points are?

[alex-v]

I understand they get their info secondhand, but at least verify it somehow.
Most of the fishing info included with each lake's map seems to come from a nearby or centalized bait and tackle shop. IOW one bait shop could be supplying info for 10 to 30 lakes within 45 miles of their shop. I find it hard to believe that they can really keep track of what is happening on all those lakes. But, it is better than nothing and as someone who likes to go on an exploring trip every now and then I find the maps and the description add to the fun. They may be right or wrong but they do give a hint of something out there.

On a related note, one of the bait shops near Grant on the west side is listed as the place that the information came from. So, I stopped in at the bait shop and they had no idea that the S-C map books existed and that their shop was mentioned (not once but many times). It appears that they were new owners and had taken over about 2-3 years ago--at least that is what my interpretation is of what they said.

[Ninja]

Most of the fishing info included with each lake's map seems to come from a nearby or centalized bait and tackle shop. IOW one bait shop could be supplying info for 10 to 30 lakes within 45 miles of their shop. I find it hard to believe that they can really keep track of what is happening on all those lakes. But, it is better than nothing and as someone who likes to go on an exploring trip every now and then I find the maps and the description add to the fun. They may be right or wrong but they do give a hint of something out there.

On a related note, one of the bait shops near Grant on the west side is listed as the place that the information came from. So, I stopped in at the bait shop and they had no idea that the S-C map books existed and that their shop was mentioned (not once but many times). It appears that they were new owners and had taken over about 2-3 years ago--at least that is what my interpretation is of what they said.

The info on the map above came from my shop, KD Outdoors in Waterford, as does the info on a few of the other lakes.

The info provided on the lake above was given quite a few years ago, and was during the period of the "experimental" walleye stocking.

I have about 40 lakes within a 5mile radius of my shop, and while we cannot keep track of all of them, we do have a very good handle on at least 20 or more of them, as we are the largest live bait dealer in the county.

In the early mornings, I take the time to talk with the folks who come in for bait. I offer them coffee and listen to their stories and ask where they're fishing, what they're catching them on, etc. so as to provide good customer service for others who come in or call and have no idea where to go or what to do.

I also am an avid fisherman, tournament bass fishernman and hunter who has lived in this area all of my life, and have been blessed to have fished all of these lakes for many years.

[jigworm]

SC Mike, I'll send you a PM this weekend.

Thanks....Pete

[alex-v]

Ken,

I am not knocking your efforts.You are verifing the info that comes your way which is more than most of the independant or mom & pop seem to do. As you said you have all those lakes within 5 miles of the shop and you are able to keep a handle on what is up at about 20 or so.

The problem I see is that many of the paying customers of these books of lake maps expect to see up to date information on each lake even though the publishing data at the front indicates that the book is several years old.

The books are a great guide and I have used them to daydream about lakes that looked interesting both because of the map and also the blurb writtern to describe. Then I spend time and stop at all bait shops I can find in the area, including the small gas stations that have a sign that says "Crawlers" and start to ask questions. People just love to talk about their lakes and they will start to provide very good info on structure, fish populations, and the best baits and methods.