Fishing at Hipps Lake, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

• Overview

  Hipps Lake sits within Kalamazoo County in Michigan. It sits in lake country bush country. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is a small entry by Kalamazoo County standards. Nearest place of any size is Plainwell, 4.5 miles away. Beyond it, Otsego at 4.7 miles and Westwood at 7.5 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Hipps Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Kalamazoo County records list bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Hipps Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 71°F in July and bottoms out near 23°F in January. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late March. The lid tends to go about late March and return around mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Hipps Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Barbour Lake, 0.2 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Hipps Lake for certain.