Fishing Goguac Lake
Calhoun County, Michigan · 66 ft max depth · DNR Survey 2019
Scout's Fishing Notes
Goguac Lake offers outstanding panfish action with bluegills averaging 5.7 inches and 50% reaching 7+ inches - a dramatic improvement from historically poor size structure. The abundant 7-8 inch bluegills provide exceptional fishing, with size structure rated excellent to superior. Black crappies are thriving with fish up to 13 inches and averaging 9.7 inches, making this a very good crappie fishery. Largemouth bass fishing is decent with fish to 19 inches, though only 1% exceed the 14-inch size limit - tournament data suggests more large bass than the survey indicated. Northern pike provide a unique opportunity with above-average growth and fish reaching 33 inches, with anglers reporting 40+ inch fish in the past. The pike spawn in the southwest wetlands where Minges Brook enters the lake. Yellow perch fishing is poor with 78% under 4 inches. The lake's sand and marl substrate extends to 10 feet before transitioning to pulpy peat in deeper areas. Water temperatures stratify at 21 feet where dissolved oxygen drops below 3 ppm, limiting deep water fishing. The heavily developed shoreline (79% armored) concentrates fish around remaining natural areas and the few vegetated coves. This popular Battle Creek area lake hosts numerous bass tournaments and will soon receive fall fingerling walleye to diversify fishing opportunities in a county with limited walleye waters.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 861 | 1-9" | — | 50% |
| Black Crappie | 165 | 4-13" | — | — |
| Largemouth Bass | 149 | 3.1-19.3" | -0.5 average | 1% |
| Yellow Perch | 87 | 2-8" | — | — |
| Yellow Bullhead | 83 | 7-12" | — | — |
| Pumpkinseed | 79 | 3-8" | — | — |
| Rock Bass | 52 | 2-12" | — | — |
| Warmouth | 45 | 2-7" | — | — |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 28 | 5-9" | — | — |
| Green Sunfish | 14 | 3-7" | — | — |
| Northern Pike | 12 | 20-33" | +1.9 above average | — |
| Brown Bullhead | 7 | 9-13" | — | — |
| Grass Pickerel | 4 | 7-10" | — | — |
| Common Carp | 2 | 9-28" | — | — |
| White Sucker | 2 | 19-20" | — | — |
Water Quality
DNR Fish Stocking
| Date | Species | Strain | Number | Avg Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/28/2025 | Walleye | Muskegon | 2,654 | 5.16" |
| 10/3/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 1,408 | 6.48" |
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database
Ice Fishing
Goguac Lake freezes in winter and supports ice fishing, though its 66-foot max depth means thinner ice can persist over the deeper basin. As an urban lake, be aware of potential variability near any inflows or storm drains. Always verify ice thickness locally before venturing out.
DNR Management Direction
DNR plans to stock fall fingerling Walleye biennially at 4 fish per acre to create new fishery and diversify angling opportunities. Continue protecting water quality and native vegetation, especially southwest wetland spawning areas. Consider regulation changes to promote better panfish size structure.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Goguac Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Goguac Lake?
Goguac Lake holds largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and rock bass. Bass and bluegill are the most commonly reported catches. The northeast channel is a popular kayak fishing spot.
Can you ice fish on Goguac Lake?
Goguac Lake freezes in winter and ice fishing is possible. At 66 feet max depth, the lake has enough shallow areas to freeze reliably, though always check current ice conditions before heading out — urban lakes can have variable ice near inflows.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Goguac Lake Guide
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