Fishing Langford Lake

Langford Lake tells a cautionary tale about invasive species impacts, but still offers quality fishing for those who know what to target. The black crappie introduction in the early 1980s completely destroyed what was once considered one of the Ottawa National Forest's best walleye fisheries, but it created new opportunities. Northern pike are the star now - 61% are legal size (24+ inches) and the lake has massive potential for trophy fish due to an incredible forage base of white suckers that make up 43% of the lake's fish biomass. Pike up to 32 inches have been documented, though recent surveys topped out at 28 inches, likely due to harvest pressure. The 15-foot maximum depth keeps the lake well-oxygenated throughout, and pike can be found around the abundant submerged vegetation and woody debris. Black crappie provide solid panfishing with 93% running 7+ inches, but bluegill are severely stunted with only 29% reaching keeper size. The lake's sand and gravel shoals hold spawning fish in spring, while the single inlet and outlet concentrate baitfish. Brown and black bullheads have reached nuisance levels and compete with panfish for food. A 100-foot rock reef was installed in 2002 for walleye spawning but proved ineffective. Mercury levels are elevated in walleye over 22 inches, though walleye are now extinct here. The lake battles Eurasian watermilfoil with annual herbicide treatments. USFS maintains a rustic 11-unit campground and boat launch on the southwest shore.