Bluewater Lake

How big is Bluewater Lake?

How deep is Bluewater Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Bluewater Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Bluewater Lake?

Bluewater Lake is located about 13 miles north of Grand Rapids and in the Chippewa National Forest. Fish production is limited due to low fertility associated with oligotrophic conditions. Bluewater Lake has a long history of trout management but has been primarily managed for Lake Trout since 1961. Management has consisted mainly of numerous stockings. Most stocked fish were given a specific fin clip to help differentiate between stocked and natural reproduction since 1990. Stocking was discontinued after 2017 due to poor returns from stocking and because natural reproduction appeared capable of maintaining the fishery.

The 2016 lake management plan lists Lake Trout as a primary species of management with a deep-water gill net catch rate goal of 3.0/net. Quality size Smallmouth Bass have been sampled in most surveys and are listed as a secondary management species though there is no management goal. The 2022 targeted survey was conducted to evaluate the status of the Lake Trout population as well as a reference for the new Caribou Lake experimental regulation.

Lake Trout are typically not abundant in any lake due to the nature of the cold, infertile lakes they inhabit. They often occupy deep, open water and can be difficult to sample, so low catches are not uncommon. Catches in deep-water gill nets have ranged from 1.3 to 4.3/net but have typically been near 3.0/net since 1980. The 2022 catch of 2.2/net was less than the management goal. No fin clipped fish were sampled. Captured trout ranged from 10.0 to 30.1 inches with an average length of 19.6 inches. The wide range of lengths suggests recruitment has been consistent. The lack of fin clips indicated these fish originated from natural reproduction.

Deep-water gill nets may not reflect the numbers of other species, but Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Tullibee catches resembled previous surveys and have never been high. The fishery provides good opportunities for anglers to catch large pike and bass. Both species have traditionally had quality size structure, similar to what was observed in 2022. Largemouth Bass were the only other species sampled in deep-water gill nets.

What is the average air temp for Bluewater Lake?

Are there any state parks near Bluewater Lake?