Fishing Heron Lake

Heron Lake is a stunted bluegill factory where action is guaranteed but size is limited. The 2018 survey collected 1,142 bluegill averaging just 4.3 inches, with only 13% reaching 6 inches or larger. These fish score a poor 2.5 on the Schneider Index and grow 0.8 inches below state average by age 3. The abundant panfish make this an excellent destination for kids and beginning anglers looking for non-stop action, but harvest-oriented anglers should look elsewhere. Pumpkinseed provide better size structure with nearly half reaching harvestable size and average growth rates. Largemouth bass range from 2-19 inches with 26% exceeding the 14-inch minimum, but they're growing 1.4 inches below average due to abundant forage competition. Northern pike are scarce with only 10 caught, averaging 24.6 inches - no small or trophy-sized pike were found. The lake's shallow nature (less than 10% deeper than 15 feet) limits pike habitat potential. Dissolved oxygen drops below 3 ppm below 15 feet during summer, concentrating fish in the upper water column. The diverse vegetation community includes coontail, Eurasian watermilfoil, pondweeds, and chara providing excellent cover throughout the shallows. With 80% public shoreline, no gas motors allowed, and extensive facilities including beach, boat launch, and rentals, this 132-acre impoundment serves Metro Detroit families perfectly. The stunted bluegill population has persisted since the 1970s despite rotenone treatment and extensive predator stocking attempts with walleye and tiger muskellunge that ultimately failed.