Fishing Lime Lake

Lime Lake is renowned for its exceptional smallmouth bass fishery, with fish ranging 3-20 inches across 10 different year classes and growing at a fair pace (-0.1 inches compared to state average). The 670-acre lake produces quality smallmouth that have earned it an excellent reputation among anglers, including a Master Angler entry of a 22-inch, 5.12-pound fish. Rock bass dominate the catch at 63% by number and grow well above state average (+0.5 inches), ranging 2-11 inches across eight year classes. Yellow perch grow very slowly (-1.2 inches below average) but reach impressive sizes up to 13 inches, with anglers reporting low numbers of large perch mostly in winter and early spring. The annual brown trout stocking program produces fish 6-14 inches with some holdover occurring across two year classes, though growth is below average (-0.6 inches). The lake's substrate is predominantly sand and marl with scattered cobble and gravel areas that provide critical spawning habitat and host important aquatic invertebrates. Vegetation is sparse overall but includes some emergent plants near shore and small submerged weed beds in 5-20 feet of water. The maximum depth reaches 65 feet with extensive shoal areas less than 15 feet deep. Northern pike occur in historically low densities which benefits the trout fishery by reducing predation pressure. Alewife from the Lake Michigan connection via Shetland and Shalda Creeks provide valuable forage, though their numbers declined sharply between 1999 and 2010 surveys possibly due to reduced connectivity from low water and beaver activity. The northeastern corner contains slabwood remnants from the 1880s Lime Lake Lumber Company mill, adding unique bottom structure. Five Master Angler entries since 1992 include four rock bass and five bluegill along with that exceptional smallmouth.