Try your luck at these area lakes and rivers.
Eagle Lake
Fort Custer Recreation Area has three lakes, and all of them have bass, blue gill, crappie, pike and channel catfish.
Eagle Lake is the biggest, and it also has walleye, carp and northern muskie. Local Jacob Nowlin recently caught a 37-inch muskie using a whopper plopper lure.
If you need an accessible fishing pier for someone who is differently abled, there’s one on Whitford-Lawler Lake.
You’ll need a pass to get into Fort Custer Recreation Area. Michiganders, if you have a Recreation Passport, then you’re covered.
Goguac Lake
Goguac Lake is part of metropolitan Battle Creek, so it’s conveniently located off of Columbia Avenue. You’re only a minute away from restaurants, bars and grocery stores.
The city offers beach access at Willard Beach, but you’re going to find boat access on Latimer Lane.
The lake is surprisingly deep – 66 feet! There are crappie, bluegill, pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass and walleye.
Battle Creek and Kalamazoo River
If you’re looking for trout, the Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit says you can find brown trout in the Battle Creek River.
Flyfishers like to wade out into the river in the downtown area, where the water gets shallow. Besides trout, you’ll find smallmouth bass and Northern pike.
There’s also fishing access at Bailey Park, an outdoor multi-use sports facility that’s along the river.
Historic Bridge Park is another popular spot to fish, especially for kids.
Stuart’s Landing
Located along the Kalamazoo River, Stuart’s Landing is a great choice if you’re bringing the kids. There’s a fishing dock that makes it easy to cast off.
Not too far from Stuart’s Landing is Dark Horse Brewing Co., which can provide you with a cold craft brew and pizza.
Duck Lake
Once included in “Michigan’s 50 Best Fishing Lakes,” Duck Lake has had a strong reputation as a great fishery for decades.
It’s the biggest lake in Calhoun County. The patient and wily angler will be rewarded with a well-stocked variety of healthy fish. Besides bluegill, crappie and sunfish, you’ll also get perch and walleye.
Public access to the lake is located on Monroe Road.
