What Bush Lake offers and when to fish it

Bush Lake is a shallow, weedy inland lake in Montcalm County, Michigan, roughly 20 miles northeast of Big Rapids. It runs about 300 acres and holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in a system where vegetation and muck bottom dominate. The lake's shallow depth — most of it under 15 feet — makes it productive in spring and fall but challenging in midsummer when weeds thicken and oxygen levels drop in deeper holes.

Walleye fishing peaks in May and June, when they move into 6 to 12 feet of water along weed edges before retreating to deeper holes as summer heat arrives. Pike are present year-round but most active in spring and again in October and November. Bass fishing is secondary but consistent, especially around shallow weed beds in early morning or late evening.

Winter ice fishing for walleye and pike is possible when the lake freezes solid, typically by mid-December through February. Access is straightforward, and the lake sees moderate pressure — enough that fish are wary but not so much that you cannot find open water to yourself on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • Bush Lake holds walleye and pike in shallow, weedy water; walleye fishing is strongest in May and June before summer heat pushes them deeper.
  • Launch from the public access site on the north shore; there is no fee, but the lot is small and fills on weekends.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows work year-round for walleye; pike respond to larger lures and live bait in spring and fall.
  • Michigan fishing license and inland trout stamp are required; walleye and pike have no special restrictions on Bush Lake.
  • The lake's shallow depth and heavy vegetation mean summer fishing is slow; plan trips for May through June or September through October.

Access and launch facilities

Bush Lake has one public access point: a small boat launch on the north shore, off Bush Lake Road near the Montcalm County line. The lot holds roughly 10 vehicles and a single-lane concrete ramp. There is no fee, no restroom, and no fuel or bait sales on-site. The ramp is maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is passable year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions.

If the north-shore lot is full, the nearest alternative is Everett Lake, about 8 miles south, which has a larger county-managed facility. Plan to arrive early on weekends, especially during walleye season in May and June. Weekday mornings offer the best chance of finding parking and open water.

Walleye fishing: seasons and methods

Walleye on Bush Lake follow a predictable seasonal pattern tied to water temperature and weed growth. In May and early June, they hold in 6 to 12 feet of water along the edges of weed beds, where they can hunt minnows without fighting dense vegetation. Jigs — 1/4 to 3/8 ounce — tipped with live shiners or fathead minnows are the standard approach. Cast parallel to weed lines and work the jig slowly along the bottom.

By mid-June, as water temperatures climb and weeds thicken, walleye retreat to the deepest holes in the lake, typically 18 to 22 feet. Fishing slows considerably, and many anglers shift focus to pike or take a break until fall. In September and October, walleye move back into shallower water as temperatures drop, and the pattern reverses — 8 to 14 feet along weed edges again becomes productive.

Live bait is more effective than artificials on Bush Lake. If you use jigs, tip them; if you use live bait rigs, keep the minnow moving slowly. Walleye here are not aggressive, and a dead or stationary bait will be ignored. Fish low-light periods — dawn, dusk, and overcast days — for the best results.

Pike and bass in spring and fall

Northern pike are present year-round but most active in spring (April through May) and fall (October through November), when they hunt in shallow water and along weed edges. Live bait — 4 to 6 inch shiners or suckers — fished on a quick-strike rig works well. Cast near visible weed beds and let the bait sit; pike will find it. Larger lures, including 4 to 5 inch swimbaits and spinnerbaits, also draw strikes, especially in low-light conditions.

Largemouth bass are secondary on Bush Lake but present in good numbers around shallow weed beds, especially in the northern and eastern arms of the lake. Early morning and late evening are best. Soft plastics — 4 inch worms or creature baits — worked slowly through the weeds will produce fish, though you will lose some lures to vegetation. Bass fishing is most consistent in May and June, then again in September.

Winter ice fishing

Bush Lake freezes reliably by mid-December and typically remains solid through February. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular, with anglers setting lines or jigging in 12 to 18 feet of water over the deepest holes. Tip-ups baited with live minnows account for most pike; jigging with small spoons or live bait works for walleye.

Check ice thickness before venturing out — 4 inches is the minimum safe thickness for walking, 5 to 6 inches for small vehicles. The lake's shallow depth means ice can be uneven; stay alert for thin spots near inlets or springs. A hand auger is sufficient for drilling holes; a power auger will speed things up if you plan multiple trips.

Regulations and licensing

Michigan fishing license and an inland trout stamp are required for all anglers 17 and older. Walleye and pike on Bush Lake have no special size or bag limits beyond the statewide regulations: walleye 15 inches minimum with a daily bag of 5, and pike 24 inches minimum with a daily bag of 1. Bass follow statewide rules as well: 12 inches minimum, 5 per day.

Regulations change annually, so check the current Michigan Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before your trip. Live bait is permitted. Spearing is not allowed on Bush Lake.

What to expect and when to go

Bush Lake is best fished May through June for walleye and September through October for a mix of walleye and pike. Summer (July and August) is slow due to heavy weed growth and low oxygen in deeper water. Winter ice fishing is solid if you are equipped for cold weather. Spring (April) can be productive but unpredictable — water temperature fluctuates, and fish movement is erratic.

The lake sees moderate pressure from local anglers and weekend visitors, so you will not fish alone on Saturday mornings, but you will not feel crowded either. Weekday trips offer more solitude and better fishing. Bring insect repellent in spring and early summer; mosquitoes and biting flies are heavy around the weedy shoreline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Bush Lake?

May and June are peak for walleye. September and October offer good walleye and pike fishing with fewer mosquitoes than spring. Summer is slow due to weeds and heat. Winter ice fishing is productive if you have the gear.

Can I use a trolling motor on Bush Lake?

Yes. The lake has no horsepower restrictions. A trolling motor is practical for covering weed edges and moving between deeper holes without spooking fish in shallow water.

Where do I buy bait near Bush Lake?

The nearest bait shops are in Big Rapids, about 20 miles southwest. Bring your own minnows or plan to stop in town before launching. Live bait is essential for walleye on this lake.

Is Bush Lake good for beginners?

Yes, if you fish in May or June with live bait and jigs. The walleye are not difficult to catch during peak season. Summer and winter fishing require more experience and patience.

Can I fish from shore?

Shore access is limited. The public launch area has a small beach, but most productive water is 50 yards or more from shore. A boat is practical for this lake.