Fishing Thornapple Lake

Thornapple Lake delivers trophy northern muskellunge with regularity, though none of the seven caught in 1995 exceeded the 42-inch legal limit. The walleye fishery ranks among Barry County's best, with fish growing 1.7 inches above state average and consistent action year to year thanks to annual stocking of 50 spring fingerlings per acre. Black crappie dominate the catch at 85% by number, with over half at acceptable 7+ inch size, though they grow 1.1 inches below state average and suffered a massive die-off in June 1995 due to overpopulation and bacterial infections. Yellow perch provide excellent ice fishing on the lake's west side and good spring action upriver in the Thornapple River. The lake's low dissolved oxygen below 12-13 feet effectively limits most fish to the upper water column, concentrating them in the extensive shoal areas that comprise 76% of the lake. Abundant aquatic vegetation to 4 feet depth, primarily coontail and pondweeds over sand, marl, and organic substrate, provides excellent habitat structure. The 409-acre lake's very eutrophic conditions with high nutrient loading create a productive forage base including golden shiners, common shiners, horneyhead chub, and brook silverside that supports the abundant predator community. Northern pike averaging 22.6 inches can spawn in wetland areas at the lake's southwest end and along the Thornapple River. The special pike and musky season from late April through November protects spawning fish and prevents overharvest during ice season.