Rainbow Trout Stocked · 15 plants · last May 13, 1993 Best: dawn, dusk Opal Lake fishing
Opal Lake fishing has Rainbow Trout and Walleye on the stocking report. Also recorded: Northern pike, Bluegill, Largemouth bass, and Bullhead. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 1979, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Rainbow Trout and Largemouth bass, dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, and dawn, day, and dusk for Northern pike and Bluegill.
- Last stocked
- June 10, 2025
- · Walleye
- Plants on record
- 24
- Since 1979
- Species stocked
- 2 (+4 also recorded)
- Surface acres
- 125
Fish at Opal Lake
Rainbow Trout Stocked · 15 plants · last May 13, 1993 Best: dawn, dusk 
Walleye Stocked · 9 plants · last June 10, 2025 Best: dawn, dusk, night 
Northern pike Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Northern pike species guide
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 Bullhead Confirmed present
Anglers at Opal Lake can fish for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is known for its gentle turquoise waters and sandy bottom. It also comes with a large boat launch area with a restroom. (gaylordmichigan.net, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Opal Lake is stocked
About 1,303 reported fish per acre, 6th most of 15 lakes in Otsego County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1979
4,500
Fish stocked in 1980
4,500
Fish stocked in 1981
4,500
Fish stocked in 1982
4,500
Fish stocked in 1983
4,500
Fish stocked in 1984
4,400
Fish stocked in 1985
5,000
Fish stocked in 1986
4,690
Fish stocked in 1987
5,000
Fish stocked in 1988
5,000
Fish stocked in 1989
4,790
Fish stocked in 1990
5,000
Fish stocked in 1991
4,500
Fish stocked in 1992
4,998
Fish stocked in 1993
4,499
Fish stocked in 2009
8,744
Fish stocked in 2010
19,791
Fish stocked in 2012
7,500
Fish stocked in 2014
7,324
Fish stocked in 2016
7,590
Fish stocked in 2018
18,286
Fish stocked in 2021
7,320
Fish stocked in 2023
7,278
Fish stocked in 2025
8,651
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2025 | Walleye | 8,651 | – | report |
| June 7, 2023 | Walleye | 7,278 | – | report |
| June 17, 2021 | Walleye | 7,320 | – | report |
| June 12, 2018 | Walleye | 18,286 | – | report |
| June 8, 2016 | Walleye | 7,590 | – | report |
| June 16, 2014 | Walleye | 7,324 | – | report |
| June 4, 2012 | Walleye | 7,500 | – | report |
| June 22, 2010 | Walleye | 19,791 | – | report |
| June 10, 2009 | Walleye | 8,744 | – | report |
| May 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,499 | – | report |
| April 30, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,998 | – | report |
| April 16, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
| April 17, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | – | report |
| April 24, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 4,790 | – | report |
| April 25, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | – | report |
| May 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | – | report |
| May 8, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,690 | – | report |
| May 21, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | – | report |
| April 25, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 4,400 | – | report |
| May 9, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
| May 20, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
| April 22, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
| May 13, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
| May 23, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Gaylord, MI
- Facilities
- restrooms
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 Opal Lake?
Fishing Opal Lake usually means Rainbow Trout: Rainbow Trout accounts for 15 of 24 plants on record, ahead of Walleye. Rainbow Trout was last stocked May 13, 1993. Walleye was last stocked June 10, 2025. Northern pike, Bluegill, Largemouth bass, and Bullhead are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Opal Lake stocked?
Last stocked June 10, 2025. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 1979, most often in May and June. About 1,303 reported fish per acre, 6th most of 15 lakes in Otsego County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 23 years between 1979 and 2025.
How do you get on Opal Lake?
The nearest town is Gaylord, MI. Facilities include restrooms.
Which lakes near Opal Lake were stocked more recently?
Big Chub Lake (1.9 mi), Bridge Lake (2.6 mi), Otsego Lake (4.3 mi), and Big Lake (5.9 mi) were stocked more recently. Big Chub Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bridge Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout, Otsego Lake is also stocked with Walleye, and Big Lake is also stocked with Walleye.