Fishing Austin Lake
Kalamazoo County, Michigan · 11 ft max depth
Fish Species
DNR Fish Stocking
| Date | Species | Strain | Number | Avg Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/13/2024 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 1,211 | 9.02" |
| 10/31/2024 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 339 | 9.17" |
| 11/9/2022 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 2,076 | 7.17" |
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database
Ice Fishing
With an average depth of just 5 feet and a max of 11 feet, Austin Lake freezes early and reliably in winter. Ice fishing for panfish is an option, but always verify ice thickness — shallow lakes can also develop pressure cracks and inconsistent ice near inflows.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Austin Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Austin Lake?
Largemouth bass are the main draw — bass tournaments run frequently on this lake. You'll also find bluegill, perch, and reportedly muskie. The shallow, weedy water creates good warm-water habitat, though fishing quality can be hit or miss depending on the day.
Can you ice fish on Austin Lake?
The lake's extreme shallowness — averaging just 5 feet — means it freezes early and solidly in winter. Ice fishing for panfish like bluegill and perch is feasible, though the shallow depth limits what's available. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.
Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Austin Lake Guide
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