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Rating depth structure for smallmouth bass.
Shared by DepthScout anglers. Exact spots stay private, always.
127-acre lake near Montmorency County. The lake tops out around 50 ft. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. Species by species, here's what the data says the year looks like.
The outline encloses 120 acres, worked by 2.9 miles of shoreline. With a 1.9 development index there's bank structure worth casting at, in moderation. The shallow band under 15 ft claims about 75% of the surface — that's where the groceries are. Call it 0.8 mi long by 0.5 mi wide at the broadest reach. It sits in Montmorency County. If the bite dies, McCormick Lake is 3 mi to the southeast.
Come spring, look for smallmouth bass tight to the bank in 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 45 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 8 ft that scores prime in fall. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 12 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (8 ft) | Ned rig, Tube jig |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (14 ft) | Drop shot (goby/minnow), Ned rig |
| Fall | 8 to 25 ft | midday & dawn | Main-lake point (8 ft) | Jerkbait, Blade bait |
| Winter | 20 to 45 ft | midday | Break off the point (14 ft) | Blade bait, Hair jig |
6 pieces of structure are mapped here — Deep basin, around 47 ft, is the deepest of them.
Access data: Michigan DNR — Michigan Boating Access Sites. Confirm conditions and fees locally before you launch.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for Michigan waters are set by the Michigan DNR — and special regulations can apply to Gaylanta Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Michigan fishing regulations →
Gaylanta Lake is about 50 ft (15 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target smallmouth bass on Gaylanta Lake.
Main-lake point is the top-rated area: a point in about 8 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in fall. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.
For smallmouth bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Gaylanta Lake is regulated by the Michigan DNR. Check the official Michigan regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
McCormick Lake 3 mi · Traverse Lake, Middle 4 mi · Big Bear Lake 5 mi · Spectacle Lake (Middle 6 mi · Lake Fifteen 6 mi · Gee Lake 6 mi · Sixth Spectacle Lake 7 mi · Caulkins Lake 7 mi · Crooked Lake 7 mi · West Twin Lake 7 mi · East Twin Lake 7 mi · Lake Big Wolf 8 mi
See how Gaylanta Lake stacks up: best smallmouth bass lakes in Michigan
More water nearby: Montmorency County fishing maps (23 charts). Browse all Michigan fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.