Fishing Buck Lake in Kent County, Michigan

• Overview

  Michigan holds Buck Lake, in Kent County. It lies 761 feet above sea level. With some 31 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The full circuit measures close to 0.9 miles on foot. Start from Caledonia, 5.1 miles down the road. Further out sit Lowell (8.4 miles) and Middleville (8.5 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Buck Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Kent County include bluegill, rock bass, johnny darter, largemouth bass and black crappie. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Buck Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 22°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late March. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late March and starts locking again about mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Buck Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Campau Lake Boat Launch provides a boat ramp about half a mile away. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Toilets show in mapping about half a mile away. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Kettle Lake, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. What applies at Buck Lake may have changed since it was mapped.