Palmer Lake (St. Joseph County)
Palmer Lake is an impoundment of Swan Creek in St. Joseph County. It is connected to Long Lake by a 1.2-mile channel and is known for walleye, bluegill and big channel catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Most common fish in the 2024 DNR survey.
Channel Catfish
Fish up to 29 inches were abundant.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Northern Pike
Low numbers but fast growing.
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Palmer Lake DNR boating access siteRampHard-surface ramp on the southeast end off Karlston Road. Gravel lot for about five trailers.Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the Michigan DNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Palmer Lake (St. Joseph County) are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Michigan Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Palmer Lake (St. Joseph County) ↗Local tips
- About 63 percent of the lake is under 10 feet deep, so look at the deeper holes for walleye.
- The lot holds only about five trailers, so arrive early on weekends.
- Homes ring nearly the whole shore, so expect docks and boat traffic.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.