LivewellMichigan · Lake
Little Oxbow Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Little Oxbow Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Michigan also has statewide guidance
Michigan publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 34 recommendations covering 15 species — in addition to anything listed for Little Oxbow Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: Common Carp — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated PCB.
What's safe to eat from Little Oxbow Lake
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16" | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16" | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Michigan's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 24" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 42" min | 1 | 06-01 – 03-15 | Same as open |
| Largemouth Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | 05-24 – 12-31 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | 05-24 – 12-31 |
| Bluegill | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Lake Trout | — | 3 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Michigan — Michigan DNR
Getting on the water
- Little Oxbow Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 0.3 mi Directions
- Ormes Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 0.9 mi Directions
- Dawn Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 2.9 mi Directions
- Moosehead Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 3.2 mi Directions
- Pomeroy Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 4.9 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.