Fishing Jose Lake

Jose Lake produces fast-growing fish across multiple species, with growth indices well above state averages for walleye (+2.2), pumpkinseed (+2.2), and largemouth bass (+1.5). The 129-acre lake reaches 25 feet deep in the southern basin with sand, peat, marl, and gravel bottom providing good fish habitat. Walleye grow exceptionally well here with six age classes present and good numbers of keeper-size fish over 15 inches, though it's unknown whether they're reproducing naturally or sustained by stocking. Northern pike also show excellent growth with many fish exceeding the 24-inch minimum, creating a balanced population not dominated by small fish. Largemouth bass reach 19 inches with good numbers of legal-size fish over 14 inches. The panfish community includes prolific rock bass (most abundant species caught) plus above-average growing bluegill mostly in the 6-8 inch range and fast-growing pumpkinseed. Dissolved oxygen remains suitable for fish down to 20 feet, with little thermal stratification allowing fish to use most of the water column. The lake lacks white suckers, unusual for northern Michigan waters. Zebra mussels have been present since 2008, and the lake association treats Eurasian milfoil annually. Access is via a township road ending maintained by the lake association.