← Montcalm County

Derby Lake

πŸ“ Montcalm County, Michigan

Derby Lake is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

33
Fish species
1
Boat launches
βœ“
Public access
Conditions today D 44/100 Below-average Last stocked Mar 10, 1995 Rainbow Trout, 31.7 years 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 Derby 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 black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass), and the size of the lake. It does not include the weather forecast. The cards below show how many points each factor contributed.

D
44/100
Monday, November 2, 2026
Conditions score

Below-average, consider a different lake or time of day.

🎣 Stocking
Last stocked Mar 10, 1995
Last: Mar 10, 1995
πŸŒ— Moon Phase
Last Quarter
Feeding bonus
πŸƒ Season
Late Fall: fish fattening up
November
🐟 Species
8 game/panfish species: outstanding variety
Game & panfish
πŸ“ Lake Size
Size unknown
Surface area

Fishing Tips for Derby Lake Today

Fall fish at Derby 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 Derby 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 black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass.

Very Low estimated pressure today
Popular stocking lake

Very little activity expected. A great time to have the lake to yourself.

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

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πŸ“… Best Time to Fish Derby 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
Black CrappieNone25 sunfish combined
BluegillNone25 sunfish combined
Largemouth Bass14"5 bass combined
Northern Pike24"2
Rainbow Trout8" (most inland lakes)5 trout, max 3 over 15"
Yellow PerchNone25
Redear SunfishNone25 sunfish combined

πŸ“‹ Derby Lake Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity Size
Mar 10, 1995 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.8"
Apr 11, 1994 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.5"
Apr 13, 1993 Rainbow Trout 5,440 6.4"
Apr 13, 1992 Rainbow Trout 5,899 6.7"
Apr 1, 1991 Rainbow Trout 5,598 7.0"
Apr 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 2,950 6.8"
Apr 27, 1990 Rainbow Trout 2,943 6.8"
Apr 5, 1989 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.3"
Apr 27, 1988 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.5"
Apr 20, 1987 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.4"
May 2, 1986 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.8"
Apr 3, 1985 Rainbow Trout 5,900 6.6"
May 2, 1984 Rainbow Trout 4,800 5.8"
Apr 1, 1983 Rainbow Trout 5,900 7.0"
Apr 29, 1982 Rainbow Trout 5,500 6.6"
Apr 8, 1980 Rainbow Trout 5,900 7.1"
Apr 9, 1979 Rainbow Trout 4,000 6.1"

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

πŸ“… Stocking Forecast

Based on 17 historical stocking events at this lake. Next likely stocking window: Mar.
Peak Stocking Months
Apr May Mar
Most Stocked Species
Rainbow Trout

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

βš“ Derby Lake Boat Launches (1)

One public access site is listed for Derby 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 Montcalm County boat launches.

Derby Lake Paved ramp Fee required 1 trailer lane 9 parking
Amenities
Vault toilet, Boating pier, AIS signage, Accessible pier
Hours
Open at all times
Phone
231-856-4452
Record updated
April 2026
Full details πŸ—Ί Directions

πŸ’‘ Angler Tips for Derby Lake

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🌀 Current Derby Lake Weather Conditions

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