Campau Lake Fishing in Kent County, Michigan

• Overview

  Campau Lake is set in Kent County, Michigan. Everything around it is mixed forest. It runs to roughly 86 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. On our Kent County list it sits near the top for size. 5 miles away sits Caledonia, the nearest town. It is 14 miles to Grand Rapids, the nearest city. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Campau Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Reported across Kent County: bluegill, rock bass, johnny darter and largemouth bass. The county list is broader than any single water. Read Campau Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 71°F and January near 22°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late March. The lid tends to go about late March and return around mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Campau Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Boats go in at Campau Lake Boat Launch, roughly half a mile from the water. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. There are toilets half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Kettle Lake is 0.4 miles off. Check the position at Campau Lake before loading the car.