Fishing Bills Lake

Bills Lake produces some of the fastest-growing walleye in southwest Michigan, running nearly two inches above state average across all age classes. The 2023 survey found walleye from 12-25 inches with 93% of legal size, mostly from the successful 2016-2018 fall fingerling stockings. At 204 acres and 80 feet deep, Bills Lake offers excellent walleye habitat with good dissolved oxygen to 37 feet and optimal water temperatures in the 64-72°F range through summer stratification. The lake's marl bottom with sand areas and littoral shoals provides diverse structure. Northern pike present a different story entirely - they're severely stunted with a mean growth index of -4.5, running more than 3 inches below state average. Of 143 pike captured, 96% were under 24 inches, indicating serious overabundance. Special regulations now allow harvest of 5 pike daily with no minimum size limit (except only one over 24 inches). The panfish fishery is outstanding, dominated by black crappie running 8-15 inches with most in the 10-11 inch range. Bluegill reach impressive sizes with 40% over 8 inches and two fish hitting 10+ inches - rare for southwest Michigan and qualifying for the Master Angler Program. The lake stratifies strongly in summer with surface temps near 79°F dropping to 45°F at 80 feet, but maintains good oxygen levels through the optimal walleye zone. Clear water with 13.5-foot Secchi depth makes this a sight-fishing lake in the shallows. The DNR access on the northwest shore provides good boat launching for the 20-space parking area.