← Crawford County

Bright Lake

πŸ“ Crawford County, Michigan

Bright Lake is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

33
Fish species
1
Boat launches
βœ“
Public access
Conditions today C 51/100 Average conditions Last stocked Apr 16, 2026 Rainbow Trout, 197 days ago Keeper size (estimated) No estimate Not enough size data Access 1 boat launch Public access

πŸ“Š Fishing Conditions

The fishing conditions score rates how favorable Bright Lake looks for the day you pick (today by default), from 0 to 100. It adds up five things: how recently the lake was stocked, the moon phase, the season, how many game and panfish species live here (such as bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout), and the size of the lake. It does not include the weather forecast. The cards below show how many points each factor contributed.

C
51/100
Friday, October 30, 2026
Conditions score

Average conditions, fish are catchable but may be selective.

🎣 Stocking
Last stocked Apr 16, 2026
Last: Apr 16, 2026
πŸŒ– Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous
Feeding bonus
πŸ‚ Season
Fall feeding frenzy
October
🐟 Species
6 game species present
Game & panfish
πŸ“ Lake Size
Size unknown
Surface area

Fishing Tips for Bright Lake Today

Fall fish at Bright Lake are feeding heavily before winter. Match the forage: shad, crawfish, and perch patterns work well.

πŸ“Š Fishing Pressure

Fishing pressure is our estimate of how busy Bright Lake is likely to be today. It looks at the day of the week, the time of year, and whether the lake has been stocked recently, because fresh stockings tend to draw anglers. Lower pressure usually means more room to work the water for bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout.

Moderate estimated pressure today
Friday Peak season Popular stocking lake

Moderate activity expected. Midweek mornings are typically quieter.

Estimate based on day of week, season, and recent stocking. Not a live crowd count.

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πŸ“… Best Time to Fish Bright Lake

Combined bite activity across all 33 species in this lake.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

πŸ“ Fishing Regulations

Statewide general rules for the species found here. Individual waters can have exceptions (special size limits, closed seasons, trout lake types), so check this lake's listing in the official DNR Fishing Guide before heading out.
SpeciesMin sizeDaily limit
BluegillNone25 sunfish combined
Largemouth Bass14"5 bass combined
Rainbow Trout8" (most inland lakes)5 trout, max 3 over 15"
Yellow PerchNone25
Hybrid SunfishNone25 sunfish combined
πŸ“… Stocking Timeline 5-year history
10 Stocking events
7,620 Fish stocked
1 Species
198d Since last stock
380d Longest gap
Rainbow Trout 7,620
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Today
Qty / event
May '17
May '18
May '19
Apr '20
Apr '21
Apr '22
Apr '23
Apr '24
Apr '25
Apr '26

πŸ“‹ Bright Lake Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity Size
Apr 16, 2026 Rainbow Trout 720 7.4"
Apr 24, 2025 Rainbow Trout 727 8.2"
Apr 9, 2024 Rainbow Trout 770 7.4"
Apr 13, 2023 Rainbow Trout 669 6.5"
Apr 26, 2022 Rainbow Trout 700 7.6"
Apr 21, 2021 Rainbow Trout 1,000 6.5"
Apr 30, 2020 Rainbow Trout 735 7.7"
May 7, 2019 Rainbow Trout 769 7.3"
May 14, 2018 Rainbow Trout 760 7.1"
May 1, 2017 Rainbow Trout 770 7.1"
May 4, 2016 Rainbow Trout 700 6.6"
Apr 23, 2015 Rainbow Trout 720 6.4"
Jun 6, 2014 Hybrid Sunfish 200 6.0"
Jun 6, 2014 Rainbow Trout 24 14.0"
Apr 28, 2014 Rainbow Trout 684 7.2"
Jun 7, 2013 Hybrid Sunfish 200 6.0"
Jun 7, 2013 Rainbow Trout 24 20.0"
Apr 29, 2013 Rainbow Trout 710 7.0"
Apr 25, 2008 Rainbow Trout 858 7.2"
Apr 23, 2007 Rainbow Trout 880 6.2"
May 15, 2006 Rainbow Trout 999 6.3"
Apr 12, 2006 Rainbow Trout 749 6.1"
Apr 26, 2005 Rainbow Trout 990 6.2"
Apr 21, 2004 Rainbow Trout 900 6.0"
Apr 25, 2003 Rainbow Trout 860 6.1"
Showing 25 of 48 stocking records, newest first

* Records shown are from our database. For the most current data, visit the Michigan DNR directly.

πŸ“… Stocking Forecast

Based on 48 historical stocking events at this lake. Next likely stocking window: Apr.
Peak Stocking Months
Apr May Jun
Most Stocked Species
Rainbow Trout Hybrid Sunfish

* Forecast is based on historical DNR data and is not a guarantee of future stocking.

βš“ Bright Lake Boat Launches (1)

One public access site is listed for Bright Lake. Select a launch for details. Details come from the Michigan DNR boating access data and can change, so check posted signs on site. See all Crawford County boat launches.

Bright Lake Gravel ramp Fee required 1 trailer lane 5 parking
Amenities
Vault toilet, AIS signage
Hours
08:00-22:00
Phone
989-348-7068
Record updated
September 2026
Full details πŸ—Ί Directions

πŸ’‘ Angler Tips for Bright Lake

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🌀 Current Bright Lake Weather Conditions

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