Fishing Van Auken Lake
Van Buren County, Michigan · DNR Survey 2004
Scout's Fishing Notes
Van Auken Lake offers exceptional northern pike fishing with a self-sustaining population that hasn't needed stocking since 1994. The 2004 survey captured 249 pike ranging from 19 to 34.8 inches with a strong catch rate of 13.8 fish per net lift, nearly double the rate of nearby Rush Lake. Pike show above-average growth (+1 growth index) and reach the 24-inch legal size by age 3, with good representation across all age classes from 2 to 10 years old. The population shows 63% annual survival with natural reproduction evident throughout the age structure. This 249-acre lake reaches 47 feet deep with 136 acres over 20 feet, providing excellent pike habitat with sandy bottom substrate and reddish-brown water. Recent introductions of alewife and gizzard shad have added new forage options for pike. The diverse fish community includes black crappie (historically excellent), largemouth bass with good growth, plus bluegill and yellow perch that grow slowly. Other species present include bowfin, spotted gar, warmouth, and various suckers and minnows. The lake maintains good warmwater fish populations overall, though northern pike clearly dominate as the premier fishery. Surrounded by forest and wetlands with limited development, Van Auken offers quality habitat that the DNR considers suitable for trophy pike classification.
Species Survey Data
| Species | Count | Size Range | Growth | % Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Pike | 249 | 19.0-34.8" | +1 above average | — |
| Black Crappie | — | — | — | — |
| Bluegill | — | — | below average | — |
| Largemouth Bass | — | — | above average | — |
| Yellow Perch | — | — | below average | — |
| Pumpkinseed | — | — | — | — |
| Alewife | — | — | — | — |
| Gizzard Shad | — | — | — | — |
| White Sucker | — | — | — | — |
| Warmouth | — | — | — | — |
| Yellow Bullhead | — | — | — | — |
| Bowfin | — | — | — | — |
| Brown Bullhead | — | — | — | — |
| Spotted Gar | — | — | — | — |
| Lake Chubsucker | — | — | — | — |
| Common Carp | — | — | — | — |
| Grass Pickerel | — | — | — | — |
| Golden Shiner | — | — | — | — |
Stocking History
| Year | Species | Number | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Northern Pike | 745 | adult |
| 1993 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | fingerling |
| 1991 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | fingerling |
| 1989 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | fingerling |
| 1988 | Northern Pike | 175,000 | fry |
| 1985 | Northern Pike | 4,000 | fingerling |
| 1984 | Northern Pike | 3,500 | fingerling |
| 1982 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | fingerling |
Ice Fishing
Van Auken Lake's shallow profile means it freezes relatively early and reliably in most winters, which should support ice fishing for panfish. Always check local conditions and ice thickness before heading out.
DNR Management Direction
Discontinue northern pike stocking as population is self-sustaining. Protect remaining riparian wetlands critical for pike spawning. Consider trophy fishery classification and adjusted size limits based on growth biology. Monitor exploitation through volunteer creel surveys if needed.
Fishing Tournaments & Competitions
Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Van Auken Lake.
Michigan Fishing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Van Auken Lake?
Van Auken Lake holds bluegill, sunfish, and largemouth bass. The shallow shoreline creates decent warm-water habitat, and shore fishing is reportedly productive. Don't expect trophy-class fishing, but it's a solid panfish lake.
DNR Fishery Report · Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Van Auken Lake Guide
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