Matteson Lake fishing

Fishing at Matteson Lake has Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.8 times a year since 1986, most often in September and October. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Northern Pike, dawn and dusk for Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout, and dusk and night for Channel Catfish.

Last stocked

October 28, 2025

Plants on record

30

Since 1986

Species recorded

5

Surface acres

313.1

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How Matteson Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the third week of September. In 2025 it was October 28, 2025, later than usual.

No plants recorded in 17 years between 1986 and 2025.

About 485 reported fish per acre, 5th most of 6 lakes in Branch County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Cary Lake (5.6 mi) was stocked more recently. Cary Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Fish at Matteson Lake

Fishing Matteson Lake is most likely to be for Channel Catfish. Channel Catfish accounts for 15 of 30 plants on record, ahead of Walleye and 3 more.

Channel Catfish 15 plants
Plants
15 of 30
Last stocked
October 5, 2005

Seasons and rigs are on the Channel Catfish guide.

Walleye 8 plants
Plants
8 of 30
Last stocked
October 28, 2025

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Northern Pike 4 plants
Plants
4 of 30
Last stocked
May 9, 1991

Seasons and rigs are on the Northern Pike guide.

Rainbow Trout 2 plants
Plants
2 of 30
Last stocked
October 14, 1986

Seasons and rigs are on the Rainbow Trout guide.

Largemouth Bass 1 plant
Plants
1 of 30
Last stocked
September 2, 1986

Seasons and rigs are on the Largemouth Bass guide.

Fish stocked per year

  • 13,9231986
  • 8,0001988
  • 3,0001989
  • 4,7501990
  • 14,5001991
  • 4,9031995
  • 3,0001996
  • 4,0001997
  • 2,8091998
  • 5,0261999
  • 2,2602000
  • 3,7102001
  • 4,6062002
  • 1,8452003
  • 4,6262004
  • 4,0012005
  • 15,2622011
  • 15,3502013
  • 16,5882015
  • 15,8412017
  • 1,2512019
  • 6492022
  • 1,8772025

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 30 plants Showing 30 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
October 28, 2025 Walleye 1,877 – report
October 13, 2022 Walleye 132 – report
October 4, 2022 Walleye 517 – report
October 2, 2019 Walleye 1,251 – report
June 1, 2017 Walleye 15,841 – report
May 28, 2015 Walleye 16,588 – report
May 30, 2013 Walleye 15,350 – report
June 8, 2011 Walleye 15,262 – report
October 5, 2005 Channel Catfish 4,001 – report
October 6, 2004 Channel Catfish 4,626 – report
September 18, 2003 Channel Catfish 1,845 – report
September 25, 2002 Channel Catfish 4,606 – report
September 20, 2001 Channel Catfish 3,710 – report
September 21, 2000 Channel Catfish 2,260 – report
October 19, 1999 Channel Catfish 5,026 – report
October 7, 1998 Channel Catfish 2,809 – report
October 8, 1997 Channel Catfish 4,000 – report
September 25, 1996 Channel Catfish 3,000 – report
October 11, 1995 Channel Catfish 2,500 – report
September 29, 1995 Channel Catfish 2,403 – report
May 9, 1991 Northern Pike 8,000 – report
March 28, 1991 Channel Catfish 6,500 – report
March 27, 1990 Channel Catfish 4,750 – report
May 30, 1989 Northern Pike 3,000 – report
September 7, 1988 Channel Catfish 4,000 – report
May 13, 1988 Northern Pike 4,000 – report
October 14, 1986 Rainbow Trout 958 – report
October 13, 1986 Rainbow Trout 1,950 – report
September 2, 1986 Largemouth Bass 7,015 – report
May 27, 1986 Northern Pike 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.

Nearest lakes