Fishing Selkirk Lake

Selkirk Lake represents one of Michigan's most successful fishery turnaround stories, transformed from a stunted bluegill factory into a diverse, quality fishery through strategic Walleye stocking. The 2022 survey captured 2,912 fish across 13 species, with bluegill leading at 54% of the catch but now averaging a hefty 7.7 inches with 36% over 8 inches - a dramatic improvement from the historically stunted population. Walleye stocking every other year maintains a population of 1.5-1.8 fish per acre, with all fish coming from stocked year classes showing no natural reproduction. These Walleye average 19.4 inches and grow above state averages (growth index +0.7), providing excellent angling from 15-25 inches. Yellow Perch are exceptionally abundant at 13.5 fish per net night - far above regional averages - with fish averaging 9.5 inches and 27% exceeding 10 inches, making this one of the region's best perch lakes. Black Crappie average 8.9 inches with 40% over 10 inches, showing typical boom-bust year class structure with peaks at 6-7 inches and 10 inches. Northern Pike numbers are low but growth is exceptional, with age-3 fish running 4.4 inches above state average and three trophy-class fish in the 38-39 inch range captured. The lake's 94 acres drain a small 533-acre watershed that's 41% agriculture, and the glacial outwash substrate supports diverse fish habitat. Largemouth Bass are dominated by 10-12 inch fish (84% of catch) but quality fish exist including a 20-incher. The DNR access on the south shore off 125th Avenue provides good boat launching. Spring surveys target spawning concentrations in the cobble areas, while summer fishing focuses deeper structure as temperatures climb. This balanced ecosystem supports everything from excellent panfish action to trophy pike potential, with Walleye providing the predation pressure that keeps bluegill populations healthy and fast-growing.