Fishing Muskegon Lake
Muskegon County, Michigan · 4,150 acres · 79 ft max depth · DNR Survey 2024
PFAS fish consumption advisory active
Mercury advisory — check serving limits
PCB advisory — check serving limits
View current advisories →Scout's Fishing Notes
Muskegon Lake offers exceptional fishing for multiple species, with Walleye being the crown jewel showing outstanding growth rates of +2.1 inches above the state average and fish reaching 27 inches. The 2024 survey documented strong natural Walleye reproduction in unstocked years, suggesting the population may be becoming more self-sustaining after decades of heavy stocking dependence. Yellow Perch fishing is outstanding with two distinct populations - year-round residents and larger, paler Lake Michigan migrants that enter the lake for spawning and create exciting fishing opportunities near the channel. The panfish fishery has dramatically improved since 2008, with Bluegill growth jumping from -0.4 to +0.3 inches and Pumpkinseed from -1.0 to +0.3 inches above average, with many fish now reaching the desirable 7-8 inch size classes. Northern Pike show exceptional growth at +5.1 inches above average, making this an excellent winter ice fishing destination. Largemouth Bass fishing is world-class, ranking as Michigan's 3rd most popular tournament lake with over 34,000 bass weighed in 470 tournaments from 2016-2024, averaging 4.41 pounds per fish. The lake's drowned river mouth connection to Lake Michigan creates unique fishing opportunities, with diverse structure from sand/gravel substrates in the main lake to organic muck and dense vegetation in the upper reaches near the Muskegon River inlet. Fish concentrate around the channel areas connecting to Lake Michigan, submerged woody structure throughout the lake, and the extensive coastal wetlands. Water quality supports fish to 29 feet deep with surface temperatures in the upper 60s during fall. The lake hosts one of only eleven remaining Lake Sturgeon populations in Michigan's Lake Michigan waters, entirely supported by natural reproduction. Round Gobies, while invasive, now provide abundant forage for predators like Walleye and bass. Successful species restoration includes Muskellunge (stocked since 2013) and naturally recovering Cisco populations, while the former Area of Concern designation reflects the lake's remarkable recovery from decades of industrial pollution.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Perch | 698 | 4-13" | +0.4 above average | 44% |
| Pumpkinseed | 588 | 2-8" | +0.3 above average | 70% |
| Bluegill | 376 | 2-8" | +0.3 above average | 66% |
| Banded Killifish | 370 | 2-4" | — | — |
| Rock Bass | 322 | 2-8" | — | 55% |
| Bluntnose Minnow | 295 | 1-4" | — | — |
| Alewife | 210 | 5-8" | — | — |
| White Perch | 98 | 4-13" | — | 73% |
| Round Goby | 68 | 1-3" | — | — |
| Walleye | 66 | 7-27" | +2.1 well above average | 42% |
| Largemouth Bass | 33 | 3-18" | +1.3 above average | 42% |
| Northern Pike | 29 | 12-34" | +5.1 well above average | 55% |
| Freshwater Drum | 27 | 6-28" | — | — |
| Silver Redhorse | 23 | 10-25" | — | — |
| Longnose Gar | 21 | 26-38" | — | — |
| Bowfin | 20 | 17-28" | — | — |
| Channel Catfish | 19 | 13-29" | — | 100% |
| Yellow Bullhead | 12 | 5-13" | — | 83% |
| Shorthead Redhorse | 12 | 11-21" | — | — |
| White Sucker | 11 | 9-21" | — | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | 10 | 3-18" | — | 50% |
| Spottail Shiner | 8 | 3-4" | — | — |
| Flathead Catfish | 8 | 19-39" | — | 100% |
| Black Crappie | 5 | 5-11" | — | 60% |
| Gizzard Shad | 4 | 14-19" | — | — |
| Common Carp | 3 | 27-36" | — | — |
| Brown Bullhead | 3 | 10-11" | — | 100% |
| Quillback | 2 | 19-23" | — | — |
Water Quality
DNR Fish Stocking
| Date | Species | Strain | Number | Avg Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/3/2025 | Walleye | Muskegon | 108,922 | 1.13" |
| 6/3/2025 | Walleye | Muskegon | 103,308 | 1.13" |
| 10/31/2024 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 6,217 | 8.35" |
| 6/6/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 108,386 | 1.21" |
| 6/6/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 101,614 | 1.21" |
| 11/9/2022 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 2,535 | 7.17" |
| 11/10/2021 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 90 | 9.5" |
| 11/9/2021 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 1,286 | 9.29" |
| 11/4/2021 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 4,840 | 9.21" |
| 6/2/2021 | Walleye | Muskegon | 132,076 | 1.11" |
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database
Ice Fishing
Muskegon Lake does freeze and supports ice fishing, but its large size, 79-foot depth, and proximity to Lake Michigan mean ice can be inconsistent — especially near the channel and in years with warmer west winds. Always check local ice reports and test thickness frequently as you move away from shore.
DNR Management Direction
Continue biannual Walleye stocking (211,600 spring fingerlings) and Muskellunge stocking (3,857 fall fingerlings). Monitor natural Walleye reproduction which appears to be increasing. Protect Lake Sturgeon population through enforcement and minimizing dredging. Improve public access especially on southern shores. Promote natural shoreline management and limit chemical plant treatments to spot-treatments only.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Muskegon Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Muskegon Lake?
Muskegon Lake holds a wide mix thanks to its Lake Michigan connection. You'll find walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and — seasonally — chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead that stage in the lake during fall and spring runs before heading up the Muskegon River. Note that active fish consumption advisories exist for PFAS, mercury, and PCBs.
Is there a fish consumption advisory for Muskegon Lake?
Yes — Muskegon Lake has active advisories for PFAS, mercury, and PCBs. Check the Michigan DHHS guidelines for current serving limits by species before keeping fish. This is especially important for bottom-feeding species and for children and pregnant women.
Can you ice fish on Muskegon Lake?
Ice fishing does happen on Muskegon Lake — locals fish it regardless of conditions according to reviews. At 79 feet max depth the lake can freeze, but its large size and Lake Michigan connection mean ice formation can be uneven. Always check local ice reports and test thickness before heading out.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Muskegon Lake Guide
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