Walleye Stocked · 7 plants · last June 23, 2022 Best: dawn, dusk, night Van Etten Lake fishing
Van Etten Lake fishing: not stocked since June 23, 2022. It was stocked with Tiger Muskie and Walleye. Also recorded: Northern pike, Channel catfish, Black crappie, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, and 5 more. Species guides list dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, Black crappie, and Rock bass, dawn, day, and dusk for Northern pike and Yellow perch, and dusk and night for Channel catfish.
- Last stocked
- June 23, 2022
- · Walleye
- Plants on record
- 13
- Since 1984
- Species stocked
- 2 (+11 also recorded)
- Surface acres
- 1,413.7
Fish at Van Etten Lake
Walleye Stocked · 7 plants · last June 23, 2022 Best: dawn, dusk, night 
Tiger Muskie Stocked · 6 plants · last September 21, 1989 Last stocked September 21, 1989 · 6 plants
Tiger Muskie species guide
Northern pike Confirmed present Best: dawn, day, dusk Best: dawn, day, dusk
Northern pike species guide
Channel catfish Confirmed present Best: dusk, night Best: dusk, night
Channel catfish species guide
Black crappie Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
Black crappie 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
Rock bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
Rock bass species guide
Smallmouth bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Smallmouth bass species guide
Largemouth bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk Best: dawn, dusk
Largemouth bass species guide
Bowfin Confirmed present Best: day, night Best: day, night
Bowfin species guide Freshwater drum Confirmed present
White bass Confirmed present Best: dawn, dusk, night Best: dawn, dusk, night
White bass species guideVan Etten Lake is a sizable 1,320-acre lake in Iosco County, Michigan, with a maximum depth of 33 feet. Historically, the area featured cabin resort rentals catering to vacationers and fishermen, suggesting that fishing has long been a recreational pursuit on the lake. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Van Etten Lake is stocked
About 440 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Iosco County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1984
1,900
Fish stocked in 1985
3,500
Fish stocked in 1986
5,000
Fish stocked in 1987
2,800
Fish stocked in 1988
5,000
Fish stocked in 1989
10,000
Fish stocked in 2008
83,753
Fish stocked in 2009
81,281
Fish stocked in 2010
80,326
Fish stocked in 2014
82,769
Fish stocked in 2016
73,347
Fish stocked in 2018
109,445
Fish stocked in 2022
83,507
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 2022 | Walleye | 83,507 | – | report |
| June 7, 2018 | Walleye | 109,445 | – | report |
| June 30, 2016 | Walleye | 73,347 | – | report |
| June 23, 2014 | Walleye | 82,769 | – | report |
| June 22, 2010 | Walleye | 80,326 | – | report |
| June 25, 2009 | Walleye | 81,281 | – | report |
| July 10, 2008 | Walleye | 83,753 | – | report |
| September 21, 1989 | Tiger Muskie | 10,000 | – | report |
| September 23, 1988 | Tiger Muskie | 5,000 | – | report |
| October 15, 1987 | Tiger Muskie | 2,800 | – | report |
| September 19, 1986 | Tiger Muskie | 5,000 | – | report |
| October 2, 1985 | Tiger Muskie | 3,500 | – | report |
| August 28, 1984 | Tiger Muskie | 1,900 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Oscoda
- Facilities
- restrooms, camping, dock
The DNR boat launch (1 lane, 1 pier) is at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground on the west shore, 4.5 miles northwest of Oscoda via US-23 and F-41. Campsites 36-46 reach the water by short footpaths and a path runs along the water's edge. Most of the rest of the shoreline is private.
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 Etten Lake?
Fishing Van Etten Lake usually means Walleye: Walleye accounts for 7 of 13 plants on record, ahead of Tiger Muskie. Walleye was last stocked June 23, 2022. Tiger Muskie was last stocked September 21, 1989. Northern pike, Channel catfish, Black crappie, and Yellow perch, plus 7 more are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
When is Van Etten Lake stocked?
Not stocked since June 23, 2022. About 440 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Iosco County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 26 years between 1984 and 2022.
How do you get on Van Etten Lake?
The nearest town is Oscoda. Facilities include restrooms, camping, and dock. The DNR boat launch (1 lane, 1 pier) is at Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground on the west shore, 4.5 miles northwest of Oscoda via US-23 and F-41. Campsites 36-46 reach the water by short footpaths and a path runs along the water's edge. Most of the rest of the shoreline is private.
Which lakes near Van Etten Lake were stocked more recently?
Cooke Dam Pond (12.8 mi), Round Lake (17.4 mi), and Loon Lake (23.1 mi) were stocked more recently. Cooke Dam Pond is also stocked with Tiger Muskie and Walleye, Round Lake is also stocked with Walleye, and Loon Lake is also stocked with Walleye.