Fishing Bodi Lake

Bodi Lake offers a recovering fishery story with exciting northern pike potential including documented trophy fish of 37 and 41 inches. Pike growth has steadily improved from -4.2 inches in 1991 to -1.8 inches in 2001 as the white sucker forage base recovers from historical removal efforts. Only 10% of pike reach 24+ inches, indicating heavy angling pressure, but the presence of these giants shows the lake's trophy potential. Walleye fishing depends entirely on DNR stocking with 70% reaching legal 15+ inch size, though natural reproduction contributes minimally. The 2004 fingerling survival survey found excellent survival with 51 fingerlings averaging 5.8 inches. Panfish populations are rebounding dramatically - pumpkinseed numbers have increased substantially since bullhead removals, though only 5% reach keeper size. Yellow perch were virtually absent until the mid-1990s but are now 25% of the catch, mostly small fish under 7 inches. The lake's substrate is predominantly sand and gravel shoreline with organic deep water bottoms and medium brown stained water. Two large gravel points support bulrush colonies - one north and one where the eastern inlet enters. Dissolved oxygen remains good to 15 feet but drops significantly deeper. The lake sits 5-6 feet below normal levels during recent surveys, exposing wide sandy beaches but with unknown impacts on fish community. Access is through the State Forest Campground, though low water has left the boat launch 20 feet from water's edge in recent years.