Fishing Van Etten Lake

Van Etten Lake offers an unusual Great Lakes-influenced fishery just two miles from Lake Huron, where seasonal migrants create opportunities rarely found in typical inland lakes. Northern Pike provide the best action with excellent growth rates (2.2 inches above state average) and nine age groups represented - most pike run 23-25 inches with good numbers over the 24-inch minimum, and the survey documented fish up to 39 inches. The lake's unique connection to the Au Sable River system brings in quality Walleye that show exceptional growth (1.5 inches above average) with many fish over 20 inches, plus Channel Catfish ranging 22-30 inches - species you simply won't find in most northern Michigan inland lakes. The downside is a severely stunted Yellow Perch population where most fish stay under 5 inches with poor growth rates, though Black Crappie buck this trend with excellent growth and fish reaching 12+ inches when you can find them. Fishing is complicated by extensive aquatic vegetation that's been chemically treated 14 times over 25 years, creating a complex habitat that helps panfish avoid predation but also supports the lake's productivity. Summer fishing requires understanding the lake's thermal structure - dissolved oxygen drops off below 15 feet, concentrating most fish in the shallows during warm months. The sandy bottom with muck in deeper areas and around the north end near Loud Island provides classic northern pike habitat. Fish consumption advisories exist for larger predators due to PCBs, PFOS, and mercury from nearby military base contamination, with Walleye limited to one meal per month. The DNR has discontinued Walleye stocking after determining the lake supports itself through natural reproduction and seasonal migration when the outlet dam gates allow fish passage during high water events.