Last stocked
June 10, 2025
Plants on record
24
Since 1979
Species recorded
2
Surface acres
125
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Gaylord, MI
- Boat ramp
- Yes
- Facilities
- restrooms
Opal Lake has a public boat launch with a restroom, reached via Old 27 South to Old State Road, then East Opal Lake Road near the Michaywe development.
Sources: access.boat_ramp , shore_notes , nearest_town , facilities , fishing_notes , angler_notes
How Opal Lake is stocked
The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of May. In 2025 it was June 10, 2025, later than usual.
No plants recorded in 23 years between 1979 and 2025.
About 1,303 reported fish per acre, 7th most of 16 lakes in Otsego County with both a fish count and a surface area.
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.
Fish at Opal Lake
Fishing Opal Lake is most likely to be for Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout accounts for 15 of 24 plants on record, ahead of Walleye.
Rainbow Trout 15 plants
- Plants
- 15 of 24
- Last stocked
- May 13, 1993
Walleye 9 plants
- Plants
- 9 of 24
- Last stocked
- June 10, 2025
Fishing Opal Lake
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.
Sources: gaylordmichigan.net
What anglers say
According to the Gaylord Michigan Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, Opal Lake is known as one of the clearest, most stunning lakes in Otsego County. They also state that this is truly one of their favorites.
Fish stocked per year
- 4,5001979
- 4,5001980
- 4,5001981
- 4,5001982
- 4,5001983
- 4,4001984
- 5,0001985
- 4,6901986
- 5,0001987
- 5,0001988
- 4,7901989
- 5,0001990
- 4,5001991
- 4,9981992
- 4,4991993
- 8,7442009
- 19,7912010
- 7,5002012
- 7,3242014
- 7,5902016
- 18,2862018
- 7,3202021
- 7,2782023
- 8,6512025
Stocking history
Showing 15 of 24 plants Showing 24 plants
| 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 |
Show 9 more plants Show less
Species found here
Confirmed present independent of the stocking records above, not from a stocking event.
- Smallmouth bass : Listed as present in Opal Lake by the Gaylord tourism bureau; not documented in the state stocking data for this lake. (source)
Species stocked here
Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.