Walleye Stocked · 7 plants · last June 4, 2025 Best: dawn, dusk, night Nichols Lake fishing
Nichols Lake fishing has Walleye on the stocking report. Also recorded: Bluegill, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, Black crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, and 2 more. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 2011, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, Black crappie, and Rock bass, dawn, day, and dusk for Bluegill, Northern pike, and Yellow perch, and dawn and dusk for Largemouth bass.
- Last stocked
- June 4, 2025
- · Walleye
- Plants on record
- 7
- Since 2011
- Species stocked
- 1 (+8 also recorded)
- Surface acres
- 154.2
Fish at Nichols Lake
Walleye Stocked · 7 plants · last June 4, 2025 Best: dawn, dusk, night 
Bluegill Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Bluegill species guide
Largemouth bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Largemouth bass species guide
Northern pike Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Northern pike species guide
Black crappie Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
Black crappie species guide
Pumpkinseed Confirmed present Best: dusk Best: dusk
Pumpkinseed species guide
Rock bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
Rock bass species guide
Yellow perch Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Yellow perch species guide Bullhead Confirmed present
Anglers can find crappie, bluegill, bass, pike, sunfish, walleye, and perch in Nichols Lake. A short path along the lake provides access for fishing, and a southside campground features a small boat launch. Additionally, a small boat launch and shore fishing can be found at the northside beach. Ice fishing is listed among the available activities. (newaygocountyexploring.com, accessed October 5, 2026)(fs.usda.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)(fs.usda.gov, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Nichols Lake is stocked
About 374 reported fish per acre, 5th most of 9 lakes in Newaygo County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 2011
7,134
Fish stocked in 2013
9,965
Fish stocked in 2015
8,410
Fish stocked in 2017
8,807
Fish stocked in 2019
8,127
Fish stocked in 2022
7,200
Fish stocked in 2025
8,039
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2025 | Walleye | 8,039 | – | report |
| June 8, 2022 | Walleye | 7,200 | – | report |
| June 5, 2019 | Walleye | 8,127 | – | report |
| June 9, 2017 | Walleye | 8,807 | – | report |
| June 2, 2015 | Walleye | 8,410 | – | report |
| May 30, 2013 | Walleye | 9,965 | – | report |
| June 8, 2011 | Walleye | 7,134 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Baldwin, MI
- Facilities
- restrooms, camping, dock
Huron-Manistee National Forest lake; the Forest Service owns about 85% of the shore. The South Campground has a small launch, beach, accessible fishing pier and a lakeside path for shore fishing. The North day-use area has a small launch, shore fishing, a vault toilet and parking for 22.
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 Nichols Lake?
Fishing Nichols Lake usually means Walleye. All 7 plants on record are Walleye. Walleye was last stocked June 4, 2025. Bluegill, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, and Black crappie, plus 4 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Nichols Lake stocked?
Last stocked June 4, 2025. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 2011, most often in May and June. About 374 reported fish per acre, 5th most of 9 lakes in Newaygo County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 8 years between 2011 and 2025.
How do you get on Nichols Lake?
The nearest town is Baldwin, MI. Facilities include restrooms, camping, and dock. Huron-Manistee National Forest lake; the Forest Service owns about 85% of the shore. The South Campground has a small launch, beach, accessible fishing pier and a lakeside path for shore fishing. The North day-use area has a small launch, shore fishing, a vault toilet and parking for 22.
Which lakes near Nichols Lake were stocked more recently?
Condon Lake (2.2 mi), Big Star Lake (7.7 mi), and Fremont Lake (19.3 mi) were stocked more recently. Big Star Lake is also stocked with Walleye and Fremont Lake is also stocked with Walleye.