Fishing Wabascon Lake
Calhoun County, Michigan · DNR Survey 2022
Scout's Fishing Notes
Wabascon Lake offers excellent Northern Pike fishing with a phenomenal 2020 year class averaging 19.3 inches at age-2, well above the statewide average of 17.7 inches. The 70-acre lake is dominated by abundant Bluegill averaging 4.7 inches, with consistent recruitment but limited numbers of fish over 6 inches due to heavy harvest pressure from popular ice fishing. Yellow Bullhead provide additional angling opportunities, averaging 9.7 inches with fish up to 12 inches. Black Crappie are present in moderate numbers with 60% of fish in the harvestable 8-9 inch range. The lake stratifies with dissolved oxygen dropping to anoxic levels below 12 feet, concentrating fish in the upper water column. Substrate is primarily peat and marl with muck in deeper areas, and the shoreline drops off quickly near shore. The two-basin lake has maximum depths of 35 feet in the eastern basin and 45 feet in the western basin, with a shallow middle section connecting them. Largemouth Bass numbers remain very low despite past stocking efforts, with all captured fish below the 14-inch legal limit. The 2021 fish kill that affected Common Carp and White Sucker had no impact on sportfish populations. Wabascon Creek flows through the lake providing connectivity and fish movement, though a downstream dam blocks migration from the Kalamazoo River. Ice fishing is extremely popular with anglers reporting high harvest rates, which explains the predominance of younger age classes in panfish populations.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 643 | 1-7" | 0 average | — |
| Pumpkinseed | 85 | 3-7" | — | — |
| Yellow Bullhead | 80 | 5-12" | — | — |
| Northern Pike | 32 | 17-21" | +1.6 above average | 100% |
| Warmouth | 32 | 4-9" | — | — |
| Black Crappie | 30 | 1-12" | -0.2 average | 60% |
| White Sucker | 12 | 6-17" | — | — |
| Blackstripe Topminnow | 11 | 1-2" | — | — |
| Yellow Perch | 10 | 6-9" | -0.9 below average | — |
| Largemouth Bass | 9 | 3-12" | -0.5 average | 0% |
| Lake Chubsucker | 5 | 5-7" | — | — |
| Golden Shiner | 4 | 7-8" | — | — |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 4 | 4-5" | — | — |
| Rock Bass | 4 | 7-8" | — | — |
| Bowfin | 3 | 18-25" | — | — |
| Common Carp | 1 | 18-18" | — | — |
| Golden Redhorse | 1 | 17-17" | — | — |
| Redear Sunfish | 1 | 9-9" | — | — |
| Common Shiner | 1 | 2-2" | — | — |
| Banded Killifish | 1 | 2-2" | — | — |
Water Quality
Stocking History
| Year | Species | Number | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Northern Pike | 1,750 | fingerling |
| 1992 | Northern Pike | 5,200 | fingerling |
| 1991 | Northern Pike | 3,500 | fingerling |
| 1960 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | fingerling |
| 1942 | Bluegill | 6,000 | 3-month |
| 1942 | Largemouth Bass | 7,000 | 3-month |
| 1941 | Bluegill | 19,000 | 4-month |
| 1941 | Largemouth Bass | 1,600 | 5-month |
| 1940 | Bluegill | 50,000 | 4-month |
| 1939 | Bluegill | 29,000 | 4-month |
| 1939 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 5-month |
| 1939 | Smallmouth Bass | 2,000 | 4-month |
| 1938 | Bluegill | 40,000 | 4-month |
| 1938 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 5-month |
| 1935 | Yellow Perch | 3,000 | 8-month |
| 1934 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 5-month |
| 1934 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 4-month |
| 1876 | Lake Whitefish | 20,000 | swim-up fry |
Ice Fishing
Wabascon Lake freezes reliably and is a solid ice fishing destination — northern pike are the primary winter target, with anglers reporting good action. Always check current ice conditions before heading out, as thickness can vary across the lake.
DNR Management Direction
No management changes proposed. Natural reproduction supports adequate sport fishery. DNR will continue habitat protection and explore dam removal opportunities with Bedford Township to improve connectivity.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Wabascon Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Wabascon Lake?
Northern pike are the main draw — ice anglers report consistent catches. The lake likely holds bass and panfish as well, though open-water fishing can be hit-or-miss based on visitor reports.
Can you ice fish on Wabascon Lake?
Yes, and ice fishing is arguably the best time to fish here. Pike are the primary target — visitors have reported multiple pike pulled through the ice in short sessions.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Wabascon Lake Guide
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