Derby Lake fishing

Fishing at Derby Lake has Rainbow Trout on the stocking report. It is stocked about once a year since 1979, most often in April and May. Species guides list dawn and dusk as the active times.

Last stocked

March 10, 1995

Plants on record

17

Since 1979

Species recorded

1

Surface acres

113.7

Access and facts

Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, dock

DNR-designated boating access site administered by Newaygo State Park: 1 launch lane, a pier, parking for 10 vehicles/trailers, and a vault toilet.

Sources: access , shore_notes , facilities , access.fee

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How Derby Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of April. In 1995 it was March 10, 1995, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 1981.

About 794 reported fish per acre, 4th most of 6 lakes in Montcalm County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Dickerson Lake (2.5 mi), Crystal Lake (9.8 mi), Lincoln Lake (11.9 mi), Marl Lake (12.6 mi), and Rock Lake (13.1 mi) were stocked more recently. Marl Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Fish at Derby Lake

Fishing Derby Lake is most likely to be for Rainbow Trout. All 17 plants on record are Rainbow Trout.

Around the dates Derby Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 45.2°F in April, 58.1°F in May, 35.7°F in March. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo

Rainbow Trout 17 plants
Plants
17 of 17
Last stocked
March 10, 1995

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Fish stocked per year

  • 4,0001979
  • 5,9001980
  • 5,5001982
  • 5,9001983
  • 4,8001984
  • 5,9001985
  • 5,9001986
  • 5,9001987
  • 5,9001988
  • 5,9001989
  • 5,8931990
  • 5,5981991
  • 5,8991992
  • 5,4401993
  • 5,9001994
  • 5,9001995

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 17 plants Showing 17 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
March 10, 1995 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 11, 1994 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 13, 1993 Rainbow Trout 5,440 – report
April 13, 1992 Rainbow Trout 5,899 – report
April 1, 1991 Rainbow Trout 5,598 – report
April 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 2,943 – report
April 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 2,950 – report
April 5, 1989 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 27, 1988 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 20, 1987 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
May 2, 1986 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 3, 1985 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
May 2, 1984 Rainbow Trout 4,800 – report
April 1, 1983 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 29, 1982 Rainbow Trout 5,500 – report
April 8, 1980 Rainbow Trout 5,900 – report
April 9, 1979 Rainbow Trout 4,000 – report
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Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

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