Tamarack Lake

Tamarack Lake covers 562 acres in Crawford County. The deepest verified point in Tamarack Lake is 13 feet; a dependable storage-volume figure was not found.

Tamarack Lake covers 562 acres, reaches only 13 feet and is unusual because dams sit at both ends with a shallow middle section between them.

What Makes Tamarack Lake Different

The twin basins and shallow center create two deeper fishing zones connected by a broad, easily wind-swept saddle.

The Fish and Boat Commission’s description makes the two-dam layout the defining feature for planning a trip rather than treating Tamarack as one simple bowl.

Fish and Baits at Tamarack Lake

Fish reported from Tamarack Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Yellow perch are also stocked in Tamarack Lake.

Bass

When largemouth bass hold tight to cover on Tamarack Lake, a compact jig or weedless worm is more useful than repeated open-water casts. Smallmouth at Tamarack Lake are better matched with tubes, grubs and crayfish-colored crankbaits on rock or clean points.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

Crappie anglers on Tamarack Lake should count the jig down beside brush until the holding depth becomes clear. A small float, light line and a piece of worm are enough for Tamarack Lake bluegill around cover. Perch anglers on Tamarack Lake should stay mobile until several bites come from the same depth.

Walleye and Larger Predators

For Tamarack Lake walleye, follow the old channel with a jig or pull a crankbait across the first sharp break. For Tamarack Lake muskellunge, work a large moving lure around points and weed edges with proper release tools ready.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For Tamarack Lake channel cats, place cut bait or a nightcrawler along the creek channel and give the bait time to work. Common carp in Tamarack Lake can be targeted with corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig.

Reading the Water at Tamarack Lake

Tamarack Lake is shallow enough that wind, vegetation and water color can reposition fish quickly. On Tamarack Lake, a one-foot depression or the outside edge of a weed bed may be more important than a distant offshore spot. Before abandoning a section of Tamarack Lake, make enough casts to learn whether the problem is location, depth or presentation.

How the Seasons Change Tamarack Lake

A sunny spring afternoon can pull Tamarack Lake fish toward dark bottom, wood and new vegetation. Summer fish in Tamarack Lake may feed shallow at dawn before settling beside cover or deeper structure. Cooling water can bring Tamarack Lake fish back to points and banks where bait gathers.

A Practical Plan for Fishing Tamarack Lake

Let wind and water clarity choose the starting bank, then follow that bank until the bottom or cover changes on Tamarack Lake. Then check the original creek route, the dam end and any point on Tamarack Lake that reaches toward deeper water.

Useful Tackle for Tamarack Lake

A medium spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound line handles jigs, minnows and smaller plastics on Tamarack Lake. Because Tamarack Lake also supports larger predators, add a stout outfit, stronger leader material and the release tools needed for those fish.

Tamarack Lake FAQs

Why does Tamarack Lake have two dam ends?

Its unusual shape is controlled by dams at opposite ends of the lake.

Where is Tamarack Lake shallowest relative to its two basins?

The middle connection is shallow compared with the water near the dam ends.

How should an angler compare Tamarack Lake’s two ends?

Check wind, water color and bait at each dam basin before committing to one side.