Austin Lake Fishing in Kalamazoo County, Michigan

• Overview

  Austin Lake lies in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It lies 853 feet above sea level. At some 1,097 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Shoreline length is close to 6.4 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. On our Kalamazoo County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest town is Portage, 2.4 miles away. Vicksburg lies 3.9 miles off, Schoolcraft another 6.2 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Austin Lake

  The books put it at 11 ft. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Kalamazoo County include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass and pumpkinseed. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The near bank of Austin Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 72°F, with January the cold end at about 23°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. On average, late March opens the water and mid December closes it again. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Austin Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  This one is recorded as open to the public. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Long Lake is 1 mile off. Check the position at Austin Lake before loading the car.