What Gun Lake offers and when to fish it

Gun Lake is a 2,400-acre impoundment in Barry County that holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. The lake sits in the Yankee Springs area and draws anglers year-round, though the character of the fishing changes sharply with the seasons. Spring and fall are the most productive periods—walleye bite heavily in the shallows during the spawn and again as they move shallow to feed before winter. Summer can be slow in the middle of the day but picks up at dawn and dusk. Winter brings ice fishing for walleye and pike, though the ice season is shorter and less reliable than lakes farther north.

The lake has a dam at its south end and a more natural shoreline to the north. Depth ranges from 8 to 50 feet, with the deepest holes near the dam. Weed growth is moderate to heavy depending on the year, which affects both where fish hold and how you can fish for them. The bottom is mostly silt and sand, with some rocky structure near the dam.

Key Takeaways

  • Gun Lake holds walleye and pike year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
  • The lake has public launch access at Yankee Springs State Park and several other public ramps around the shoreline.
  • Walleye respond to live bait (shiners, crawlers) and crankbaits in shallow water during low-light periods.
  • Pike fishing is best in spring and fall when they move into the shallows; summer requires patience and early-morning trips.

Launch sites and where to start

Yankee Springs State Park operates the primary public launch on Gun Lake's west shore. The ramp is paved, has parking for trailers, and is open year-round during daylight hours. There is a day-use fee to enter the park. A second public launch sits on the east shore near the dam, operated by Barry County Parks. Both ramps can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall.

If you are new to the lake, start on the west side near the state park launch. The shallow flats and weed edges in that area hold walleye in spring and are easier to read than the deeper structure near the dam. Pike often cruise the weed lines on the north end of the lake, particularly in April and May.

Spring walleye: shallow and predictable

From late March through May, walleye move into water 4 to 8 feet deep to spawn and feed. They concentrate along the weed edges and shallow rocky areas on the west and north shores. Live shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber work well during the day; at dusk, switch to crankbaits that mimic baitfish and work them along the same edges. The bite is often best in the hour before sunset and continues into darkness.

Water temperature is the key trigger. When the lake reaches 45 to 50 degrees, the bite turns on. By late May, as water warms past 60 degrees, walleye move deeper and the shallow bite slows. If you are fishing in May and not catching fish in the shallows, move to 15 to 20 feet and fish the deeper weed edges or the transition zones between shallow and deep water.

Summer: early mornings and deep structure

Summer fishing on Gun Lake is a study in timing and patience. Walleye move to deeper water and become less active during midday heat. Fish from first light until 9 or 10 a.m., focusing on the deeper weed edges and the structure near the dam. Live bait fished on the bottom in 20 to 30 feet of water produces steadily, even if the bite is slower than spring.

Pike are scattered in summer but can be found around the thickest weed growth, particularly in the northern basin. Throw large topwater lures or soft plastics early in the morning. If you are not getting strikes by mid-morning, move to deeper water or come back at dusk. Many anglers skip the middle of the day entirely and fish only the low-light periods.

Fall: a second strong season

As water cools in September and October, walleye move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The fall bite mirrors spring—shallow weed edges, rocky areas, and the flats on the west shore all hold fish. The advantage in fall is that the bite often lasts longer into the day because water temperature is dropping rather than rising. You can fish productively from dawn until mid-afternoon.

Pike are also aggressive in fall. They feed heavily to build reserves for winter and respond well to live bait and large crankbaits. The north end of the lake and the weed-choked areas near the state park are reliable spots. By November, as water drops below 50 degrees, the bite slows and ice fishing begins.

Winter ice fishing

Gun Lake freezes most winters, though the ice season is typically shorter than northern Michigan lakes—usually from mid-December through early March. Walleye and pike are the primary targets. Set up over the deeper holes near the dam or along the deeper weed edges in 20 to 30 feet of water. Live shiners under a tip-up work well for pike; small jigging spoons tipped with shiners or crawlers catch walleye.

Check ice thickness before heading out, and fish with a partner. The lake can be windy, which can create thin ice in some areas even when most of the lake is solid. Local bait shops in Hastings and Middleville can tell you current ice conditions and where other anglers are fishing.

Tackle and bait recommendations

For walleye, carry a selection of crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range in natural colors (perch, silver, crawdad). A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line handles most situations. Live shiners (4 to 6 inches) and nightcrawlers are the most reliable baits. A slip bobber rig lets you fish at a precise depth without casting repeatedly.

Pike fishing calls for heavier tackle—a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line. Large crankbaits (3 to 4 inches), soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, and live shiners (6 to 8 inches) all produce. Topwater lures in early morning can be explosive. Bring a net or a lip-gripper—pike teeth are sharp and hands are vulnerable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Michigan fishing license to fish Gun Lake?

Yes. Michigan requires a resident or non-resident fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at any bait shop, or at many sporting goods stores. A one-day license is available if you are visiting.

What is the size and bag limit for walleye and pike on Gun Lake?

Michigan's statewide rules apply: walleye have a 15-inch minimum size with a daily bag limit of five fish. Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum with a daily bag limit of five fish. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Can I fish Gun Lake at night?

Yes, night fishing is allowed. Many anglers fish for walleye after dark, particularly in spring and fall when the bite is strong. Bring a headlamp and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Stay aware of other boats and use navigation lights if you are running the motor.

Is there a motor size limit on Gun Lake?

Gun Lake allows motors up to 10 horsepower. This keeps the lake quieter and safer for smaller boats and anglers fishing from shore. If you have a larger motor, you can still fish the lake but will need to use an electric trolling motor or paddle.

Where can I buy bait and tackle near Gun Lake?

Hastings and Middleville both have bait and tackle shops within 10 to 15 minutes of the lake. These shops stock live shiners, crawlers, and local knowledge about current conditions. Calling ahead to confirm they have what you need saves a trip.