Fishing at Mill Pond, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

• Overview

  The Kalamazoo County end of Michigan holds Mill Pond. It lies 846 feet above sea level. At roughly 23 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. There is roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. South Gull Lake is the closest place, 3.3 miles off. The nearest city of size is Grand Rapids, 45 miles away. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Mill Pond

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for Kalamazoo County include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Fish Mill Pond where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 72°F and January near 23°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Count the season from break-up, usually late March. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Mill Pond runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The water borders Oak Braes Nature Preserve, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Sherman Lake at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Mill Pond carry more weight than any list.