LivewellMichigan · Lake
Otsego Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Otsego Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 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 Otsego 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 Otsego Lake
Walleye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | 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
- Otsego Lake County Park Boat Launch boat ramp 1.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.5 mi Directions
- Custom Marine & Machine Service marina 2.2 mi Directions
- Lake Manuka Public Boat Access boat ramp 2.5 mi Directions
- Dixon Lake Boat Launch boat ramp 4.0 mi Directions
- Heart Lake Public Boat Launch boat ramp 4.3 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.