Fishing Gull Lake

Gull Lake stands out as one of southern Michigan's clearest, deepest lakes with exceptional water quality and trophy fish across multiple species. Northern pike reach massive sizes here, with several fish over 20 pounds landed each winter by ice anglers, thanks to outstanding growth rates 1.9 inches above state average. The lake holds Michigan's only landlocked Atlantic salmon broodstock program, producing fish up to 30 inches that reach 21 inches by just their second year. Rock bass dominate the catch at 39.5% by number, with unusually large specimens reaching 11.8 inches, while yellow perch grow to an exceptional 12.9 inches. Bluegill quality is outstanding with fish reaching 9.8 inches and 57% legal size. The clear water extends to 40-foot Secchi readings in spring, with excellent dissolved oxygen down to 65 feet supporting coldwater species. Largemouth bass support weekly tournaments despite smallmouth bass being limited by chronic tapeworm infestations documented for 50 years. The lake's 110-foot maximum depth and mesotrophic character, rare in southern Michigan, creates diverse habitat from clean sand/gravel shoals to deep marl basins. Rainbow trout provide year-round action with fish to 20 pounds, successfully reproducing in Prairieville Creek. Two underwater "Hogsback" islands at 20 feet and extensive shoal areas covering 30% of the lake create prime structure. Lake trout persist from past stockings with 7-10 year old fish weighing 10-15 pounds collected in 1989. The fishery supports over 64,000 angler hours annually with 63,000 fish harvested, primarily rock bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.