Fishing Hodenpyl Dam Pond

Hodenpyl Dam Pond offers Michigan's most exceptional channel catfish fishing in the northwest Lower Peninsula, with 208 catfish caught in the 2011 survey averaging over 22 inches and ranging up to 28 inches. The majority are aged 8-12 years from previous stockings, creating a unique opportunity to catch trophy-sized catfish that's rare in northern Michigan lakes. However, this catfish abundance appears to be suppressing other gamefish populations through competition. Walleye fishing has declined significantly despite successful natural reproduction, with only 36% of walleye reaching legal size and disappointing catch numbers reported by anglers. Smallmouth bass are growing 2.1 inches slower than state average, while northern pike show below-average growth as well. The panfish picture is mixed - rock bass dominate by numbers but show slow growth, while bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed all exhibit above-average to excellent growth rates despite lower populations. The impoundment's structure includes the old Manistee River channel reaching 50+ feet deep in the main body and over 60 feet near the dam, with shallow flats, submerged stumps, and woody debris providing excellent fish habitat. Bottom composition varies from sand and gravel in the river channel to organic muck in coves. Cold tributary streams like Fletcher Creek, Seaton Creek, and others flow in from the east, supporting trout populations and adding thermal diversity. The lake sturgeon population represents a fascinating remnant - native fish that were trapped above the dam after 1925 construction and continue to reproduce naturally in the upstream Manistee River, occasionally spotted by anglers. Ten Master Angler awards have been recorded including an impressive 13.7-pound walleye and 22.44-pound northern pike, showing the lake's trophy potential.