Michigan · Fishing
Fishing in Colfax Township, Michigan
Colfax Township sits in the rolling inland country of western Michigan, and its fishing options are quiet and approachable rather than destination-famous.
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Colfax Township sits in the rolling inland country of western Michigan, and its fishing options are quiet and approachable rather than destination-famous. The three lakes on the local roster — Twin Lake, Gooseneck Pond, and Anderson Lake — are the kind of spots where you park close to the water, set up without a crowd, and work the shallows at your own pace. These are warmwater lake fisheries, which in this part of Michigan typically means largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and possibly northern pike depending on the individual water body. None of the listed waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid recreational fishing, not a trophy hunt. That said, smaller ponds and lakes like Gooseneck Pond often hold surprisingly good panfish populations that get overlooked precisely because they're not on anyone's highlight reel. If you're coming from out of the area, pairing a visit to two or three of these waters in a single day is realistic given how compact the township is. A Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 or older, and it's worth checking current DNR regulations before you go since inland lake rules can vary by season and species.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I realistically expect to catch at Twin Lake, Gooseneck Pond, and Anderson Lake?
All three are inland lakes in western Michigan's warmwater zone, so largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie are the most likely targets. Northern pike show up in many lakes of this type in the region as well. None of these waters are listed as trout fisheries, so don't plan a trip around trout.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
Smaller waters like Gooseneck Pond are generally fishable from shore with a basic spinning setup. Twin Lake and Anderson Lake may have limited public bank access depending on surrounding land ownership, so it's worth checking the Michigan DNR's online access site map before you go rather than assuming you can walk the whole shoreline.
What time of day is best for fishing these lakes?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and panfish on warmwater lakes like these. Midday in summer tends to push fish into deeper, cooler water or heavy cover, so if that's when you're fishing, slow down and work structure rather than open water.
What gear should I bring for a day hitting multiple waters here?
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across all three lakes — it handles panfish rigs and light bass lures without needing to swap setups constantly. Bring a small selection of jigs, soft plastics, and a bobber-and-worm rig for bluegill. If you're targeting bass specifically, a weedless soft-plastic setup is useful since shallower lakes in this region tend to have vegetation by midsummer.
Do I need a Michigan fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, anyone 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license. You can buy one online through the Michigan DNR website, at most sporting goods stores, or at many bait shops in the region. Pick up a copy of the current Michigan Fishing Guide at the same time — it covers size and bag limits that apply to specific species and waters.
