Fishing Woodard Lake
Ionia County, Michigan · DNR Survey 2010
Scout's Fishing Notes
Woodard Lake transformed from a stunted bluegill nightmare into a premier panfish destination thanks to a DNR walleye experiment from 1987-2005. The 73-acre lake now produces quality bluegill averaging 6.4 inches in trap nets, with 80% exceeding 6 inches and fish reaching 8 inches. Yellow perch show above-average growth (+0.8 index) and reach 11 inches, though only 38% hit acceptable size. Pumpkinseed sunfish also exceed state averages (+1.1 growth index) with 85% reaching 6 inches. The southern third is developed with 25 homes while the north remains wild, featuring a large tamarack bog on the western shore. Maximum depth hits 22 feet with gradual drop-offs and organic muck bottom plus some sandy areas. Water quality is good to 9 feet, then dissolved oxygen crashes below 12 feet where it becomes nearly anoxic at 1.0 ppm. Fish the shallows and mid-depths, especially around the sparse woody cover. Unfortunately, largemouth bass remain severely stunted with a -3.8 growth index — among the worst in southern Michigan — with only 1% reaching the 14-inch legal size despite averaging 8.1 inches. The lake produced 170 bass in the 2010 survey but they max out around 12 inches due to overpopulation. Northern pike are rare but the single fish captured was a hefty 32-incher. The DNR plans to resume walleye stocking and institute a 10-inch minimum on bass to improve that fishery. Access via a DNR boat launch on the southeast shore with parking for 10 vehicles.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 260 | 1-8" | 0 average | 50% |
| Largemouth Bass | 170 | 1-20" | -3.8 well below average | 1% |
| Yellow Perch | 89 | 4-11" | +0.8 above average | 38% |
| Yellow Bullhead | 39 | 8-13" | — | 98% |
| Pumpkinseed Sunfish | 34 | 2-8" | +1.1 above average | 85% |
| Warmouth | 24 | 5-8" | — | 79% |
| Blackchin Shiner | 14 | 1-1" | — | — |
| Lake Chubsucker | 12 | 4-6" | — | — |
| Bowfin | 8 | 13-27" | — | — |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 5 | 8-8" | — | — |
| Golden Shiner | 2 | 8-9" | — | — |
| Black Crappie | 1 | 10-10" | — | 100% |
| Common Carp | 1 | 26-26" | — | — |
| Channel Catfish | 1 | 16-16" | — | 100% |
| Green Sunfish | 1 | 4-4" | — | — |
| Northern Pike | 1 | 32-32" | — | 100% |
Water Quality
DNR Fish Stocking
| Date | Species | Strain | Number | Avg Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/6/2024 | Walleye | Muskegon | 55 | 8.3" |
| 10/23/2024 | Walleye | Muskegon | 180 | 8.01" |
| 10/11/2021 | Walleye | Muskegon | 290 | 8.06" |
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database
Ice Fishing
At only 7 acres and likely very shallow, Woodard Lake freezes early and solidly in winter. It could support ice fishing, though the small size limits the fishery. Always check ice thickness — small lakes can have inconsistent ice near any inflows.
DNR Management Direction
Resume walleye stocking every third year at 300 fall fingerlings per cycle to maintain panfish balance. Institute 10-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass to improve population structure. Protect remaining woody cover and undeveloped shoreline.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Woodard Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Woodard Lake?
Locals report catching surprisingly good fish from Woodard Lake, including off the public dock. Specific species aren't well-documented, but reviews consistently mention big fish and productive fishing for a lake this size — likely panfish and bass given the size and shallow, weedy profile.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Woodard Lake Guide
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