Fishing Lake Macatawa
Ottawa County, Michigan · 34 ft max depth
Fish Species
DNR Fish Stocking
| Date | Species | Strain | Number | Avg Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/5/2025 | Walleye | Muskegon | 16,625 | 1.24" |
| 6/8/2024 | Walleye | Muskegon | 27,520 | 1.4" |
| 6/8/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 44,879 | 1.21" |
| 6/8/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 31,175 | 1.02" |
| 6/8/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 31,175 | 1.02" |
| 6/7/2023 | Walleye | Muskegon | 10,805 | 1.21" |
| 6/8/2022 | Walleye | Muskegon | 48,000 | 1" |
| 6/2/2022 | Walleye | Muskegon | 37,838 | 1.19" |
| 8/26/2021 | Muskellunge | Great Lakes | 36,657 | 3.66" |
| 6/6/2021 | Walleye | Muskegon | 5,000 | 1.6" |
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database
Ice Fishing
With an average depth of just 10 feet, Lake Macatawa typically freezes reliably in winter. Some ice fishing occurs, but the lake isn't a major ice fishing destination — anglers more commonly fish the connected waterways or head to other area lakes. The Lake Michigan channel end may freeze later or less reliably due to current and wave action.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Lake Macatawa.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Lake Macatawa?
Lake Macatawa holds warm-water species including bass, panfish, and pike, but multiple reviewers note it's not a top fishing destination. Several anglers say they'd choose a different lake for warm-water fishing. The real fishing value is using Macatawa as a launch point to access Lake Michigan for salmon, steelhead, and walleye.
Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Lake Macatawa Guide
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