Fishing Arcadia Lake

Arcadia Lake produces exceptional walleye with growth rates 2.8 inches above state average, though these are likely transient fish from nearby stocked lakes that move in seeking warmer water and richer forage. The lake has a well-deserved reputation for yellow perch fishing, with a mix of Lake Michigan migrants (larger and silvery) and resident fish (smaller with darker yellow coloration). Northern pike fishing is very robust with fish ranging 19-35 inches, though growth is below average at -0.4. The main basin becomes virtually unfishable by late spring due to Eurasian watermilfoil reaching the surface, limiting access except for a small deeper area near the outlet channel. Smallmouth bass grow above average (+0.6) with 93% legal size, and the lake produced a 25-inch Master Angler smallmouth in 2003. Largemouth bass opportunities are good based on angler reports, but the milfoil infestation makes fishing difficult in the main basin. The lake's panfish are excellent with bluegill showing above average growth (+0.3) and 76% legal size, while pumpkinseed grow even better (+0.6) with 92% legal size. Black crappie average growth but 93% are legal size ranging 5-11 inches. Bottom substrate consists of sand, organic material, and historic slabwood from old sawmills, with some gravel near the Lake Michigan channel. As a drowned rivermouth lake connected to Lake Michigan by a 250-yard dredged channel, water levels fluctuate with Lake Michigan levels. The north arm was historically dredged for boat traffic and features steep dropoffs averaging over 20 feet deep, while the main basin is shallower with an average depth under 20 feet. Brown trout are stocked annually for the Lake Michigan fishery, creating a popular shallow-water spring fishery from March through early May. The lake is also known as an excellent bowfishing destination for common carp during June spawning, with three Master Angler carp entries in recent years.