Lake Size: 1,050 Acres Deepest Depth: 11 feet Latitude: 42.173611 Longitude: -85.551944 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 853 feet Counties: Kalamazoo County Cities: Vicksburg,Lemon Park, Portage Lake Management: Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner
Information: Austin Lake is a lake located in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is approximately 2.2 miles across at the longest point. It has an average depth of about 5 feet, with a maximum depth of just over 11 feet. A boat launch is provided with a 6 dollar daily fee. All watercraft is allowed. No alcoholic beverages allowed in park.
Boating
Fishing
Business
Public access to Austin Lake is by a boat launch ramp maintained by the Park and Recreation Bureau. There is a small fee, and the ramp is closed between 11 pm and 4 am. Lakeview Park in the City of Portage has shoreline access and fishing piers. The 24 acre park also has a playground, ball fields and places to picnic. With almost 1,100 acres of water there is room for all kinds of boating on Austin Lake including canoeing, sailing, and jet and water skiing. A very active catamaran club holds regattas throughout the seasoAustin Lake is formed by Austin Lake Dam on Portage Creek in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and is used for recreation purposes. Construction was completed in 1915. At normal levels it has a surface area of 1.6 square miles. It is property of Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner
Kalamazoo County's Austin Lake has a reputation for giving up big largemouth bass during the open-water season, but what many people don't realize is that the lake is excellent for winter panfish, too.
"Most people don't realize it, but Austin Lake is really good for both bluegills and crappies through the ice," said Jeff Davis, who works at the Gander Mountain store in Kalamazoo. "The lake is kind of tough to fish because it's relatively shallow and doesn't have much in the way of structure, but if you move around and punch lots of holes you can find some fish."
Austin Lake, at 1,090 acres, has few spots over 10 feet, so the panfish can be found just about anywhere. Because it is so shallow, Austin Lake would probably be devoid of fish during the winter if it weren't for the influx of water from Wood and Long lakes and the outflow from Portage Creek. The exchange of water keeps Austin Lake well oxygenated. A good starting point is a hole in the center of the lake that reaches 11 feet. Then work the perimeter where the bottom drops from 5 to 10 feet.
Most of the better bluegills and sunfish on Austin Lake are taken on larva and teardrops. Look for live weeds and work the entire water column. The lake's biggest crappies prefer meat, like lively shiner minnows. Evenings and right after dark are the best times for the specks. Look for them to be hovering right under the ice down to about 3 feet. The bluegills will routinely top 8 inches, and 12-inch specks on Austin Lake are no big deal.
For more information, live bait and lake maps, contact the Kalamazoo Gander Mountain store at (269) 388-9770. Details on amenities, restaurants and lodging in the area can be found by contacting the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-222-6363 or online at www.discoverkalamazoo.com.
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