Fishing Big Fish Lake
Lapeer County, Michigan · DNR Survey 2017
Scout's Fishing Notes
Big Fish Lake offers an excellent largemouth bass fishery with 41% of bass meeting the 14-inch minimum, and electrofishing surveys show 51% legal-sized fish - well above the regional average of 18%. The 105-acre lake reaches 70 feet deep with thermal stratification creating distinct fishing zones: warmwater habitat above 10 feet, and limited coolwater habitat from 15-25 feet where oxygen remains adequate. Below 25 feet, dissolved oxygen drops to fish-limiting levels. Bluegill fishing rates as satisfactory on the Schneider Index with 44% of trap-netted fish exceeding 6 inches, though growth runs 1.2 inches below state average. Pumpkinseeds provide additional panfish opportunity with similar size structure. Black Crappie growth has declined significantly in recent years (3.1 inches below average) for unknown reasons, though 80% still reach the 7-inch harvest size. Northern Pike remain present but in low numbers, with all six fish caught exceeding 24 inches and averaging 28.5 inches. The lake stratifies by mid-August with the thermocline between 15-26 feet - focus fishing efforts in the upper 25 feet for best oxygen levels. Diverse aquatic vegetation including chara, pondweeds, and milfoil provides excellent fish habitat, though nuisance weed treatments occur periodically. The fishery transformed from a two-story trout lake (1966-1992) to warmwater management after trout survival declined, creating today's diverse warmwater community.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 1130 | 1-8" | -1.2 below average | 33% |
| Pumpkinseed | 348 | 1-8" | -0.6 below average | 44% |
| Yellow Bullhead | 153 | 5-12" | — | 95% |
| Brown Bullhead | 88 | 6-12" | — | 94% |
| Largemouth Bass | 76 | 2-18" | -1 below average | 41% |
| Black Crappie | 69 | 4-12" | -3.1 well below average | 80% |
| Warmouth | 40 | 3-8" | — | 15% |
| Green Sunfish | 13 | 3-6" | — | 8% |
| Yellow Perch | 9 | 6-8" | — | 44% |
| Bluntnose Minnow | 9 | 2-3" | — | 100% |
| Northern Pike | 6 | 27-29" | — | 100% |
| Grass Pickerel | 5 | 6-10" | — | 100% |
| Blackchin Shiner | 3 | 1-2" | — | 100% |
| Lake Chubsucker | 3 | 7-9" | — | 100% |
| Spotfin Shiner | 3 | 3-3" | — | 100% |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 1 | 5-5" | — | 0% |
| Tadpole Madtom | 1 | 3-3" | — | 100% |
Water Quality
Stocking History
| Year | Species | Number | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | trout (species not specified) | — | not specified |
Ice Fishing
Big Fish Lake is a smaller lake in southern Michigan that appears to freeze reliably. The public launch is plowed in winter specifically for ice fishing access, and reviewers praise the snow removal. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.
DNR Management Direction
Fish community is in good shape with no management recommended. Future surveys should monitor Black Crappie growth rates and possible Northern Pike abundance decline.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Big Fish Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Big Fish Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on the lake. It's well-maintained with a picnic area, and reviewers note good snow removal in winter for ice fishing access. Google reviews give it a 4.4 rating.
What fish are in Big Fish Lake?
Despite the name, fishing reports from Big Fish Lake are underwhelming. Anglers mention shore fishing and ice fishing, but catches seem inconsistent. Don't plan a trip around the fishing here — it's more of a casual recreation lake.
Can you swim in Big Fish Lake?
The lake has historically been a popular swimming spot, though several longtime visitors note the designated swim area has been reduced over the years. Reviewers still describe the water as clean. Nearby Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area and Ortonville Recreation Area also have swim beaches.
Can you ice fish on Big Fish Lake?
Yes. The launch gets plowed in winter specifically for ice fishing access — reviewers called the snow removal 'incredible.' As a smaller, likely shallow lake in southern Michigan, it should freeze reliably in a normal winter.
Are there campgrounds near Big Fish Lake?
Several options nearby: Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area and Ortonville Recreation Area both offer state campgrounds, plus private options like Clearwater Campground and Hasler Lake Campground. None are directly on Big Fish Lake.
Where is Big Fish Lake in Michigan?
Big Fish Lake is in Lapeer County in Michigan's Thumb region, roughly between the towns of Lapeer and Metamora. It's about an hour north of Detroit.
Can you waterski on Big Fish Lake?
People do — multiple longtime visitors mention learning to waterski there. It's a smaller lake, so space may be limited on busy weekends, but it's been a waterskiing spot for decades.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Big Fish Lake Guide
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