Fishing
Life at Runyan Lake is always a reel good time. Whether you’re angling for bass or just casting away your worries, fishing here hooks the best of lake living. Our annual contests prove it’s not just about the one that got away — it’s about reeling in memories, netting community spirit, and keeping our traditions swimming along. So grab your tackle, bait some laughs, and let’s keep this lake a fin‑tastic place to cast off together.
Overview
Fishing at Runyan Lake is governed by the State of Michigan’s rules and licensing requirements. These regulations ensure fair use of the lake’s resources and help maintain healthy fish populations for everyone to enjoy.
Key Points
- 🎣 License Requirement — Anyone age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license.
- 👨👩👧 Adults Assisting Minors — Adults helping children with fishing must also be licensed.
- 📅 License Validity — Annual licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- ⚖️ State Regulations — All fishing activities must follow Michigan Department of Natural Resources rules.
Resources
Runyan Lake supports a diverse fish community. Click on each species below to learn more.
Key Species
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the most popular sport fish in Runyan Lake. They are aggressive feeders, often found near weed beds and docks. Anglers prize them for their fight, and catch‑and‑release is encouraged to sustain healthy populations.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are prized for their fight and agility. They prefer rocky areas and deeper waters, making them a challenge for anglers. Less common than largemouth, but highly valued when caught.
Bluegill & Sunfish
Bluegill and sunfish are abundant panfish, perfect for family fishing. They’re easy to catch with worms or small lures, making them ideal for introducing young anglers to the sport.
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are a tasty species found throughout the lake. They often travel in schools and are commonly caught with minnows or small jigs.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are predator fish known for their size and fight. They lurk near weed edges and ambush prey, making them a thrilling challenge for anglers.
Black Crappie & Rock Bass
Black crappie and rock bass are common panfish that add variety to catches. Crappie are often found in schools, while rock bass prefer rocky shorelines.
Occasional Species
• Lake Herring — Rare visitor, adds diversity.
• Longnose Gar — Unique predator with elongated snout.
• Walleye (few) — Highly prized, but limited numbers.
• Bowfin (Dogfish) — Ancient species, strong fighters.
• Mudpuppy — Aquatic salamander, not a fish but sometimes caught.
• Darters — Small, colorful fish found in tributaries.
2026 Fishing Contest Results
Youth
| Category | Place | Winner | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Bass |
1st | Silas Chartrand | 17 3/4” / 2 lbs 4 oz |
| 2nd | Isla Chartrand | 16” / 2 lbs | |
| 3rd | Peyton Nowak | 17 7/8” / 1 lbs 14 oz | |
Panfish |
1st | Eli Nowak (rock bass) | 11” 1/2 / 15 oz |
| 2nd | Silas Chartrand (perch) | 12″ / 11 oz | |
| 3rd | Isla Chartrand (rock bass) | 6 1/2″ / 9 oz | |
Other |
1st | Zoey Zantop (pike) | 28 1/2″ / 5 lbs 3 oz |
| 2nd | Emersyn Zantop (pike) | 23 7/8″ / 2 lbs 9 oz | |
| 3rd | Eli Nowak (pike) | 23 7/8″ / 2 lbs 9 oz |
Juniors
| Category | Place | Winner | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Bass |
1st | Eli Ettinger | 17” / 2 lbs 2oz |
| 2nd | Eli Justice | 16 1/4” / 1 lb 12oz | |
| 3rd | Cole Lemaux | 15 3/4“ / 1 lbs 10 oz | |
Panfish |
1st | Eli Ettinger (rock bass) | 11 1/4″ / 14 oz |
| 2nd (tie) | Cannon Cypher (rock bass) | 11″ / 12 oz | |
| 2nd (tie) | Cole Lemaux (rock bass) | 11″ / 12 oz | |
Other |
1st | Cannon Cypher (pike) | 31 3/4″ / 7 lbs 4 oz |
Adults
| Category | Place | Winner | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
Bass |
1st | Tim Polakowski | 18 1/2″ 3 lbs 4 oz |
| 2nd (tie) | Andy Nester | 18 1/4″ / 3 lbs 2 oz | |
| 2nd (tie) | Gary Delamieleure | 18 1/4″ / 3 lbs 2 oz | |
Pike |
1st | Tim Polakowski | 36 1/2″ / 10 lbs 12 oz |
| 2nd | Wadeana Grimshaw (woman’s) | 36 1/2″ / 8 lbs 7 oz | |
| 3rd | Meg Polakowski | 29 3/4″ / 5 lbs 5 oz |
Big Fish
| Place | Winner | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tim Polakowski (pike) | 36 1/2″ / 10 lbs 12 oz |
Most Species
| Place | Winner | Species |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (tie) | Emelia Justice | Blue gill / Rock Bass / Perch / Large Mouth Bass |
| 1st (tie) | Eli Nowak | Blue gill / Rock Bass / Large Mouth Bass / Pike |
Past Fishing Contest Results
Click on any year below to view the official Runyan Lake Fishing Contest results — each link will open in a new browser tab.
- 🐟 2006 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2007 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2008 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2009 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2010 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2011 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2012 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2013 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2014 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2015 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2016 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2017 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2018 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2019 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2020 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2021 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2022 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2023 Fishing Tournament Results
- 🐟 2024 Fishing Tournament Results (Reviewing Archives)
- 🐟 2025 Fishing Tournament Results