DNR Fishing and License info

Get your fishing license: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146---,00.html 

Located in both Barry and Allegan counties and spanning 2,680 acres with a maximum depth of 68 feet, Gun Lake features two basins, east and west, separated by a large point on the northeast side of the lake. It is very popular with anglers and the lake has good access.

"The lake is next to the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area," explains local DNR fisheries biologist Matt Diana. "There is a public access site there for boats and shore fishing opportunities. There's also a County Park ramp on the southwest shore of the west basin that offers additional access."

Recent surveying efforts by the DNR show high densities of northern pike with average growth, a prolific yellow perch fishery, and a growing walleye population.

There are three cooperative walleye rearing ponds connected to Gun Lake in partnership with the Gun Lake Protective Association (GLPA) and the DNR. Built by the GLPA in 1910 these have been used for stocking walleye through volunteer help for more than 110 years! As soon as the ice is off the lake ponds are flooded and stocked with as many as 100,000 fry provided by the DNR. By Memorial Day they grow to about two inches and are then released into Gun Lake and the ponds drained. Insects take over the mud and grass pond bottoms, lay eggs, and these become fish food for the next season's stocking. The GLPA also purchases and releases as many as 60,000 walleye fingerlings directly into the lake each Fall from a local fish farm to supplement the stocking.

Walleye fishing is improving due to the stocking program, however bass and bluegills are still the main draw on Gun Lake. Most of the fish caught during tournaments are largemouth bass, but smallmouth bass are present as well. Bluegills were the most common fish harvested during a recent creel survey on the lake.”

Bait can be purchased at local gas stations (Marathon has minnows), Gillett's Bait on Marsh Rd. and the lake has an excellent hunting and fishing store on Patterson Rd. A Sportsman’s Attic  https://asportsmansattic.com.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FISHERMAN PLEASE USE THE FREE BOAT CLEANING STATIONS INSTALLED AT BOTH PUBLIC LAUNCHES TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES!

Competitive bass tournaments:

Held on Thursday nights during the season by Midwest Fishing League. For more information contact Vern Finch at 616-427-5425 or go to: Midway Fishing League