SC Mike
08-03-2007, 12:24 PM
http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/SC_Lakeoftheweek.gif (http://sportsmansconnection.com)
Chippewa Lake, Mecosta County (http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/lakeinfo/29936-Chippewa/)
43¡ 45’ 41.11” N / 85¡ 17’ 3.90” W
Surface water area: 790 acres
Maximum depth: 42 feet
Water clarity: Poor visibility
Accessibility: State-owned public access with hard-surfaced ramp capable of handling large boats on northeast shore; parking for 20 vehicles
Accommodations: Courtesy pier, restrooms
http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Chippewa.jpg (http://sportsmansconnection.com)
http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Chippewa-stocking.jpg (http://sportsmansconnection.com)
Fishing Information:
When it comes to walleye stocking Chippewa is definitely one of the DNR’s success stories. The state has been putting walleye fingerlings into this 790-acre lake for years making for some good walleye action for anglers. The ’eyes are found in good numbers, and they often run up to 7 pounds, said the folks at East Bay General Store, 19961 Chippewa Lake Drive, Chippewa Lake, MI 49320, (231) 867-5619. According to the lakes most recent DNR survey, it contains lots of minnows and crayfish, which may indicate why the walleye stocking has worked so well. The last stocking occurred in 2003, when more than 40,000 fingerlings were introduced into the lake.
Though walleyes draw most anglers here, there are also lots of largemouth bass. Many of these fish are below the 14-inch minimum length limit, but some run up to 5 pounds. The lake also holds good numbers of northern pike. These generally run from 24 to 30 inches, along with an occasional wall-hanger. Chippewa has plenty of panfish too. The bluegills, crappies, and perch. Occasionally, you’ll run into a 10-inch ’gill or a 12-inch papermouth. The perch average 6 to 8 inches
Nightcrawlers and pike minnows are consistent producers of walleyes, though shiny spinners work also. For bass, try a three-hook purple ’crawler harness or a Rapala. Spinnerbaits, Rapalas, and ’crawlers are all used by local anglers are after pike and with good results. Mepps spinners also are consistent producers on Chippewa.
Try drifting along in 15- to 20-foot water from the northeast corner for walleyes. Bass are often found in the relatively shallow water along the northwest shoreline.
The eastern bay (Spot 1) is a good place to locate pike. Northerns and bass can often be found near the 32-foot hole on the south side of the lake (Spot 2). The panfish seem to spend a lot of their days around several sunken islands near Look for them also among some red weeds on the western shore of the lake (Spot 3) and in the shallow water in the east bay (noted above as Spot 1). Though it has sharp drop-offs, don’t waste your time working the 42-foot hole on the north end of the lake, as a lack of dissolved oxygen keeps fish away from that location in summer.
Sanders says the lake should produce for those who like ice fishing, but it draws very little action during the winter for some reason.
Sportsman's Connection is a leading publisher of lake maps and fishing information. 130-250 Michigan lakes are covered in each of 7 (newly revised) fishing map guides, and are available for download at www.scmaps.com. (http://www.scmaps.com.)
Chippewa Lake, Mecosta County (http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/lakeinfo/29936-Chippewa/)
43¡ 45’ 41.11” N / 85¡ 17’ 3.90” W
Surface water area: 790 acres
Maximum depth: 42 feet
Water clarity: Poor visibility
Accessibility: State-owned public access with hard-surfaced ramp capable of handling large boats on northeast shore; parking for 20 vehicles
Accommodations: Courtesy pier, restrooms
http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Chippewa.jpg (http://sportsmansconnection.com)
http://www.sportsmansconnection.com/images/lakeoftheweek/mi/Chippewa-stocking.jpg (http://sportsmansconnection.com)
Fishing Information:
When it comes to walleye stocking Chippewa is definitely one of the DNR’s success stories. The state has been putting walleye fingerlings into this 790-acre lake for years making for some good walleye action for anglers. The ’eyes are found in good numbers, and they often run up to 7 pounds, said the folks at East Bay General Store, 19961 Chippewa Lake Drive, Chippewa Lake, MI 49320, (231) 867-5619. According to the lakes most recent DNR survey, it contains lots of minnows and crayfish, which may indicate why the walleye stocking has worked so well. The last stocking occurred in 2003, when more than 40,000 fingerlings were introduced into the lake.
Though walleyes draw most anglers here, there are also lots of largemouth bass. Many of these fish are below the 14-inch minimum length limit, but some run up to 5 pounds. The lake also holds good numbers of northern pike. These generally run from 24 to 30 inches, along with an occasional wall-hanger. Chippewa has plenty of panfish too. The bluegills, crappies, and perch. Occasionally, you’ll run into a 10-inch ’gill or a 12-inch papermouth. The perch average 6 to 8 inches
Nightcrawlers and pike minnows are consistent producers of walleyes, though shiny spinners work also. For bass, try a three-hook purple ’crawler harness or a Rapala. Spinnerbaits, Rapalas, and ’crawlers are all used by local anglers are after pike and with good results. Mepps spinners also are consistent producers on Chippewa.
Try drifting along in 15- to 20-foot water from the northeast corner for walleyes. Bass are often found in the relatively shallow water along the northwest shoreline.
The eastern bay (Spot 1) is a good place to locate pike. Northerns and bass can often be found near the 32-foot hole on the south side of the lake (Spot 2). The panfish seem to spend a lot of their days around several sunken islands near Look for them also among some red weeds on the western shore of the lake (Spot 3) and in the shallow water in the east bay (noted above as Spot 1). Though it has sharp drop-offs, don’t waste your time working the 42-foot hole on the north end of the lake, as a lack of dissolved oxygen keeps fish away from that location in summer.
Sanders says the lake should produce for those who like ice fishing, but it draws very little action during the winter for some reason.
Sportsman's Connection is a leading publisher of lake maps and fishing information. 130-250 Michigan lakes are covered in each of 7 (newly revised) fishing map guides, and are available for download at www.scmaps.com. (http://www.scmaps.com.)