Fishing Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake offers exceptional yellow perch fishing with 77% of perch at acceptable size, which is rare for southwestern Michigan lakes. The walleye program has been very successful, producing fish growing 1.5 inches above state average, with the interesting twist that natural reproduction is strongest in years without stocking. Most walleye are legal size at 68%, and the population is older than typical area walleye lakes, possibly due to low angler harvest. Northern pike provide excellent fishing, making up the largest sport fish biomass at 142 pounds from 55 fish, with good numbers over the 24-inch legal limit. The pike spawn in limited wetland habitat near the outlet, so target that area in spring. Fish can use water down to about 31 feet where oxygen drops below 3 ppm, with the thermocline at 29-38 feet in summer. The lake has gravel, cobble, and marl substrate with sparse aquatic vegetation including Chara, Sagittaria, and Potamogeton on the extensive shoals that cover 68% of the lake area. Largemouth bass are more numerous than smallmouth despite better smallmouth habitat, with both species showing average growth. Black crappie growth is well above average at +1.6 inches, though few are caught. Bluegill are abundant but growing below average, particularly younger fish. The forage base includes golden shiners, mudminnows, crayfish, and abundant mayfly larvae. Some ice anglers complain about catching too many northern pike, which suggests excellent pike numbers throughout the system.