Fishing Rattalee Lake

Rattalee Lake excels as the crown jewel of this connected lake system, supporting Michigan's most robust Cisco population with 29 state-threatened fish ranging 7-13 inches captured versus only 6 in neighboring Long Lake. The 48-acre lake reaches 45 feet deep with excellent dissolved oxygen extending down to 33 feet, providing superior cold water habitat compared to Long Lake's 27-foot oxygen zone. A massive 34-inch longnose gar represents the top predator highlight, accompanied by Largemouth Bass up to 11 inches and Northern Pike reaching 31 inches. The surface temperature of 62°F during late September sampling was 9 degrees cooler than Long Lake, reflecting better thermal conditions. Panfish diversity includes Bluegill up to 7 inches, Yellow Perch to 8 inches, plus a 6-inch pumpkinseed absent from Long Lake. The marl substrate with steep drop-offs within 20 feet of shore creates classic two-story structure, while 15-foot water clarity matches Long Lake's excellent visibility. Three dock structures provide the only development on this entirely privately-owned lake surrounded by large land tracts. Access requires floating down the Shiawassee River from upstream launch points, maintaining the remote wilderness character. Emergent vegetation of sedges, bulrush, and yellow pond lily provides spawning habitat, while submergent Chara algae, milfoil, and invasive starry stonewort offer structure. The connecting Shiawassee River facilitates seasonal fish movements between Rattalee and Long Lake, with abundant panfish, bass, and cyprinids observed in the river corridor. Cold alkaline groundwater discharge from surrounding wetlands helps maintain the unique chemistry supporting the exceptional Cisco population that has persisted due to minimal shoreline disturbance.