Northern Pike Stocked · 7 plants · last November 4, 1994 Best: dawn, day, dusk Van Auken Lake fishing
Van Auken Lake fishing: not stocked since November 4, 1994. It was stocked with Northern Pike. Also recorded: Black crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth bass, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Warmouth, and 4 more. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Yellow perch, dawn, dusk, and night for Black crappie, and dawn and dusk for Largemouth bass.
- Last stocked
- November 4, 1994
- · Northern Pike
- Plants on record
- 7
- Since 1984
- Species stocked
- 1 (+10 also recorded)
- Surface acres
- 252.5
Fish at Van Auken Lake
Northern Pike Stocked · 7 plants · last November 4, 1994 Best: dawn, day, dusk 
Black crappie Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
Black crappie 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
Yellow perch Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Yellow perch species guide
Pumpkinseed Confirmed present Best: dusk Best: dusk
Pumpkinseed species guide Warmouth Confirmed present
Brown bullhead Confirmed present Best: dusk, night Best: dusk, night
Brown bullhead species guide
Bowfin Confirmed present Best: day, night Best: day, night
Bowfin species guide Spotted gar Confirmed present
Grass pickerel Confirmed present
How Van Auken Lake is stocked
About 755 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 12 lakes in Van Buren County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1984
2,500
Fish stocked in 1985
4,000
Fish stocked in 1988
175,000
Fish stocked in 1989
1,000
Fish stocked in 1991
5,000
Fish stocked in 1993
2,500
Fish stocked in 1994
745
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 4, 1994 | Northern Pike | 745 | – | report |
| June 9, 1993 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | – | report |
| May 8, 1991 | Northern Pike | 5,000 | – | report |
| May 30, 1989 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | – | report |
| April 13, 1988 | Northern Pike | 175,000 | – | report |
| May 13, 1985 | Northern Pike | 4,000 | – | report |
| June 4, 1984 | Northern Pike | 2,500 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Facilities
- restrooms
The state-owned public access site is in the northeast corner of the lake. Administered by Van Buren State Park, it has a boat launch and a vault toilet. Homes are sparse and mostly on the north and west sides; forest and wetland ring the rest of the shore.
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 Van Auken Lake?
Fishing Van Auken Lake usually means Northern Pike. All 7 plants on record are Northern Pike. Northern Pike was last stocked November 4, 1994. Black crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth bass, and Yellow perch, plus 6 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Van Auken Lake stocked?
Not stocked since November 4, 1994. About 755 reported fish per acre, 3rd most of 12 lakes in Van Buren County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1992.
How do you get on Van Auken Lake?
Facilities include restrooms. The state-owned public access site is in the northeast corner of the lake. Administered by Van Buren State Park, it has a boat launch and a vault toilet. Homes are sparse and mostly on the north and west sides; forest and wetland ring the rest of the shore.
Which lakes near Van Auken Lake were stocked more recently?
Rush Lake (1.4 mi), Paw Paw Lake (5.4 mi), Shafer Lake (6 mi), North Scott Lake (10.8 mi), and Magician Lake (12.9 mi) were stocked more recently. Rush Lake is also stocked with Northern Pike and North Scott Lake is also stocked with Northern Pike.