Van Alstin Lake near Big Rapids: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Van Alstin Lake lies in Mecosta County, Michigan. The surroundings are lake country bush. For a base, Big Rapids sits 8.3 miles out. After that come Reed City at 8.8 miles and Evart at 9.7 miles. Nearby, in order: Elm Lake at about 1.8 miles, Haymarsh Lakes 2.7 miles away, Bevens Lake at about 3.2 miles, Pogy Lake 3.4 miles away and Blanchard Lake at about 3.8 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Van Alstin Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Records held for Mecosta County cover bluegill, largemouth bass and rock bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Van Alstin Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 19°F to 68°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early April. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It sets the rhythm of the year at Van Alstin Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Elm Lake at 1.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Van Alstin Lake.