Fishing Big Chub Lake

Big Chub Lake offers exceptional rainbow trout fishing with fish growing 2.5 inches above the statewide average - some of the best trout growth you'll find in Michigan. The 75-acre lake reaches 74 feet deep and stratifies with a thermocline below 15 feet, creating ideal two-story fishing conditions where trout hold in the cooler depths while warmwater species occupy the upper layer. Recent surveys found ages 1-2 rainbow trout from 12-16 inches with excellent over-winter survival, indicating a sustainable fishery from the annual stocking of 5,000 yearlings. The lake has been managed as a trout fishery since 1959, switching from brown trout to rainbow trout in 1990 after poor brown trout survival - a change that dramatically improved fishing success and angler effort. A strain evaluation from 2004-2008 showed that Michigan steelhead outperformed Eagle Lake rainbows, but Eagle Lake continues to be stocked due to hatchery availability. Anglers report very good fishing both during open water and ice fishing seasons. While warmwater species like bluegill, rock bass, and yellow perch are present, their consistently poor growth rates indicate the lake's conditions strongly favor coldwater species. The lake's ice contact/outwash/alluvium geology provides excellent water quality for trout. Northern pike are also present and DNR is considering more liberal harvest regulations to reduce competition with trout. Access is via an unimproved road ending on the west shore off Chub Lake Hill Road. The lake connects to Linton Lake upstream and Bridge Lake downstream via Chub Creek, eventually flowing to the North Branch Au Sable River.