Wanless Lake

How big is Wanless Lake?

How deep is Wanless Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Wanless Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Wanless Lake?

Wanless Lake is a small lake located approximately 11 miles northeast of Isabella. The lake has a maximum depth of 16 feet, is undeveloped and receives light fishing pressure. The lake can be accessed from a rough, narrow logging road approximately 1 mile from Lake County Rd. #7. There is a carry down access on Federal land suitable for launching canoes and small boats.

The fish community in Wanless Lake is comprised of northern pike, yellow perch and various minnow species. Fish population assessments in Wanless Lake have historically collected northern pike in relatively high numbers; this was again the case in 2006, as the catch was above average compared to other lakes in this class. Northern pike collected in 2006 averaged 1.7 pounds/fish, which is typical of the size of northern pike collected in previous assessments on this lake. The largest northern pike collected in 2006 was 34.6 inches (9.3 pounds); however, fish this large are uncommon in Wanless Lake. Approximately 50% of the northern pike in this assessment were between 22 and 26 inches, with only one fish larger than 26 inches sampled. Growth of northern pike collected in 2006 was average compared to similar lakes in this class. The northern pike population in Wanless Lake is maintained through natural reproduction and does not require stocking.

The yellow perch catch in 2006 was near the low end of the normal range for the lake class and was typical of the net catches in most of the other assessments on this lake. Yellow perch collected in this assessment averaged 6.8 inches (only one fish over 8.0 inches sampled), and most of the fish were too small to interest anglers.

Black crappies were introduced into Wanless Lake in 2002 to meet the increasing demand for fishing opportunities for this species in the Finland area. The 2006 assessment did not sample any black crappies, and indications are that the stocking may not have been successful. At this time it has not been determined if future attempts will be made to establish a black crappie population in this lake.

What is the average air temp for Wanless Lake?

Are there any state parks near Wanless Lake?