Fishing in Van Buren County, Michigan

What this local map set contains

The Van Buren County directory currently covers 28 lakes or reservoirs. 28 charts use measured bathymetry from a published source; none rely on modeled contours. Recorded maximum depths range from 15 to 84 ft, with a median of 40 ft. Those figures describe each chart's deepest recorded or modeled point, not a safe navigation depth.

Species records are attached to 28 of 28 waters. The most frequently cataloged targets are Bluegill (28), Crappie (28), Largemouth Bass (28), Smallmouth Bass (28) and Yellow Perch (28). These are coverage counts, not abundance estimates or catch forecasts; open the individual map to see the evidence and seasonal context attached to that water.

Three useful maps to compare first

1. Shafer Lake: 70 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 23 cataloged target species.
2. Rush Lake: 58 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 22 cataloged target species.
3. Lake Eleven: 30 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 17 cataloged target species.

Start with a survey-backed chart when exact contour shape matters most. Use a modeled chart as broad planning context, then verify depths on the water. Comparing the three examples above also shows whether this area offers one dominant basin type or genuinely different shallow, deep, lake and river options. Access is separate from map coverage: confirm launches, shore rights, closures and posted rules before making the trip.