East Chub Lake

How big is East Chub Lake?

How deep is East Chub Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in East Chub Lake?

Are there boat launches on East Chub Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near East Chub Lake?

East Chub Lake is located 4 miles north and 12 miles west of Isabella and has an area of 62 acres with a maximum depth of nine feet. There is a public boat access with an earthen ramp on the east shore of the lake along State Highway 1 where parking is available for about three vehicle and trailer rigs. The convenient location and room to shore fish or picnic make the access a popular spot. After a suspected winterkill impacted the fish community in the lake, adult Bluegill were stocked in 2015 and 2017 in an attempt to reestablish a self-sustaining population.

Northern Pike are the primary management species in East Chub Lake and the 2022 gill net catch of 12.7 per lift was higher than average compared to similar lakes. The average weight was 1.1 pounds, which is below normal range compared to similar lakes statewide. The average length was 16.8 inches with the largest fish measuring 25.8 inches long. Growth is average compared to similar lakes. The current population can provide more of a quantity over quality fishery, with good action on smaller fish with limited chances for quality sized fish.

The 2022 Bluegill trap net catch of 4.7 per lift was average compared to similar lakes, but the average size was just 3.9 inches long and weight was just 0.05 pounds. The small size was due to the high number of age-2 fish that had been naturally reproduced in the lake. Growth is average compared to similar lakes. The strong 2020 year class bodes well for the Bluegill population in the near future. Pumpkinseed sunfish up to 7.5 inches long were also sampled in average numbers. While they are not often targeted by anglers, some may be caught and harvested by Bluegill anglers.

The Yellow Perch gill net catch of 18.3/lift is average compared to other similar lakes. Average length was about 7 inches with less than 9% greater than nine inches long. These results suggest the lake currently supports an abundant population of small perch with limited opportunities for angler harvest. Growth is average compared to similar lakes.

Other important forage species sampled were White Sucker and Golden Shiner.

Bluegill populations in the Finland Area generally have sporadic reproduction and are maintained by occasional strong year classes. Results of this survey support this concept as only one year class in the last five years was sampled. Because the goal is to reestablish a self-sustaining Bluegill population, anglers are encouraged to show a little restraint when the fishing is good as angler harvest may impact the population on this small lake. Future surveys will be used to monitor the Bluegill population to determine what kind of angling opportunities the lake can support.

What is the average air temp for East Chub Lake?

Are there any state parks near East Chub Lake?