Smallmouth Bass Stocked · 2 plants · last August 22, 1983 Best: dawn, dusk Monocle Lake fishing
Monocle Lake fishing: not stocked since August 22, 1983. It was stocked with Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. Also recorded: Northern pike and Perch. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, dawn and dusk for Smallmouth Bass, and dawn, day, and dusk for Northern pike and Perch.
- Last stocked
- August 22, 1983
- · Smallmouth Bass
- Plants on record
- 3
- Since 1979
- Species stocked
- 2 (+2 also recorded)
- Surface acres
- 171.6
Fish at Monocle Lake
Smallmouth Bass Stocked · 2 plants · last August 22, 1983 Best: dawn, dusk 
Walleye Stocked · 1 plant · last May 21, 1979 Best: dawn, dusk, night 
Northern pike Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Northern pike species guide
Perch Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Perch species guideMonocle Lake offers a relaxing place to fish. This scenic lake is populated with walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, and perch. Anglers typically have good luck at two man-made reefs located just off the eastern shore next to the campground. A paved boat launch provides easy access to this beautiful all-sports lake. (recreation.gov, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Monocle Lake is stocked
About 1,562 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 7 lakes in Chippewa County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1979
260,000
Fish stocked in 1982
4,200
Fish stocked in 1983
3,900
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 1983 | Smallmouth Bass | 3,900 | – | report |
| September 4, 1982 | Smallmouth Bass | 4,200 | – | report |
| May 21, 1979 | Walleye | 260,000 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Bay Mills, MI
- Facilities
- restrooms, camping
Monocle Lake Campground (Hiawatha National Forest) on the southeast shore has a paved boat launch with a trailer-sized parking lot, a day-use area and accessible vault toilets. The DNR lists shore fishing here. Bay Mills is about 6 miles away.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you go.
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Monocle Lake?
Fishing Monocle Lake usually means Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass accounts for 2 of 3 plants on record, ahead of Walleye. Smallmouth Bass was last stocked August 22, 1983. Walleye was last stocked May 21, 1979. Northern pike and Perch are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Monocle Lake stocked?
Not stocked since August 22, 1983. About 1,562 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 7 lakes in Chippewa County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 1980 and 1981.
How do you get on Monocle Lake?
The nearest town is Bay Mills, MI. Facilities include restrooms and camping. Monocle Lake Campground (Hiawatha National Forest) on the southeast shore has a paved boat launch with a trailer-sized parking lot, a day-use area and accessible vault toilets. The DNR lists shore fishing here. Bay Mills is about 6 miles away.
Which lakes near Monocle Lake were stocked more recently?
High Banks Lake (13 mi), Naomikong Pond (14.8 mi), Naomikong Lake (16.7 mi), Dukes Lake (17.6 mi), and Walker Lake (19.3 mi) were stocked more recently.