9 Peaceful Lakes in Michigan for Kayaking and Fishing

You ever have one of those weeks when the only thing you want is to hear the sound of your own paddle, not your inbox? Michigan understands, I swear. The state is like that friend who never texts you just to brag about their new kayak, but will absolutely share their favorite lakes; no judgment, just quiet confidence and more fish than you expected.

Skip the crowded boat launches. These nine lakes are where you go when you need to remember you’re a real person, not just a collection of unread notifications. Bring your kayak, your fishing rod, and maybe someone who won’t mind if you don’t say much.

Each spot has its own vibe, quirks, and a little story. So let’s get to the good stuff: water, quiet, and maybe the best blueberry donut you’ve ever had from a bait shop parking lot.

1. Craig Lake State Park

Some places require a little extra effort. Craig Lake State Park is that friend who challenges you in a good way. With access only by foot or paddle, it feels wild, unfiltered, and exactly what you need when you want to disappear for a day (or three).

There’s more than one lake here; Craig, Teddy, and Clair among them; each surrounded by thick woods and rock outcroppings. Fishing is excellent, but you’ll earn every bite. Don’t expect cell service; you’ll have to talk to yourself for entertainment.

Camping is rugged and beautiful, and the trails will remind you that snacks are not optional. The park was established in 1967, and it genuinely hasn’t lost a bit of its off-the-grid magic.

If you want a story to tell at the next family gathering, this is the place to gather it.

2. Lake Margrethe

There’s something about Lake Margrethe that feels like it’s in on your secret. Maybe it’s the way the fog lifts off the water before sunrise, hinting at possibilities and a few fish stories that may or may not be true.

This lake is 1,920 acres of perfect pacing. On a quiet Wednesday, you might spot more military cadets from nearby Camp Grayling than powerboats, and yes, they’ll probably out-fish you. But the lake won’t judge.

Drop your line for bluegill, perch, or the occasional tiger muskie (yes, that’s a real fish, not a weird cartoon hybrid). Paddle along the wild edges and you might see deer sipping from the shore. You can launch from the public access site off M-72.

Fun fact: locals say the water’s always cold enough to keep the coffee in your thermos necessary. Stay long enough and you’ll believe it.

3. Gravel Lake

Picture this: You’re drifting on Gravel Lake, Van Buren County, and the only thing louder than the birds is you telling your best friend that yes, you once caught a pike here, and no one believed you. Don’t worry, the fish are still here.

The water’s got that clean green look, the kind that makes you want to dangle your toes over the edge. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and even the occasional bowfin lurk below. The locals swear by early morning fishing; bring donuts, because the fish respect snacks.

Kayaking? It’s easy to find a pocket of quiet between the cottages, especially during the week. There’s a low-key vibe to Gravel Lake, like it remembers the ‘90s better than you do. There’s a public launch if you follow the signs through Lawton.

Did I mention nobody rushes you here? Not even the fish.

4. Lake Lavine

Did you ever wish you could bottle that feeling of being the only person in the world? Lake Lavine gets it. This little 87-acre gem in Branch County is the introvert’s answer to summer.

You’ll find no marinas, no speedboats, just the occasional fisherman who doesn’t feel the need to make small talk. The water’s so clear you can count the rocks on the bottom; helpful when you inevitably drop a lure.

Bluegill, crappie, and bass are your likely catches here, and if you want to impress a kid (or yourself), this is the place. The public access is easy to find, and parking never feels like a battle. Bring your coffee and enjoy the birds calling across the water.

If you listen close, you’ll hear the lake sigh in relief every time someone leaves their radio at home.

5. Bear River

If you need a river that feels like it moonlights as a therapist, Bear River is your spot. Flowing through Petoskey for almost 15 miles, it’s the kind of place that fixes bad moods quietly.

There are riffles and slow stretches; pick your pace. One moment you’re serenaded by songbirds, the next you’re eyeing a brown trout darting below the surface. The river’s history goes back to the Odawa people, who knew a good fishing spot when they found one.

Petoskey has easy put-ins and local outfitters if you forget anything. There’s a footbridge halfway along that’s perfect for a snack break or existential crisis. Bear River won’t rush you, but it will remind you to look up and enjoy the green tunnel above your head.

Fun fact: every local has a Bear River story; and none of them match.

6. Belleville Lake

Belleville Lake is where city energy and lake chill meet at a polite handshake. Nestled between Washtenaw and Wayne counties, this sprawling reservoir has enough space for everyone; including you, your kayak, and your wildest daydreams.

You’ll find locals reeling in catfish and bluegill for dinner. The water’s deep enough (up to 30 feet) to feel like a real adventure, but shallow enough not to lose your sunglasses forever.

If you paddle near the marina, you may catch the scent of someone grilling. There’s a rhythm to the evenings here; sunsets, ducks, city lights flickering on. Launch at French Landing Park if you want the full Belleville experience.

Bonus: there’s always a food truck nearby if you forget snacks, because who actually plans ahead?

7. Lake Michigamme

Big sky, bigger water. Lake Michigamme in the Upper Peninsula is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the right way. With over 4,300 acres, there’s always a corner to explore; just you, some gulls, and a few suspiciously large fish.

The lake’s deep, shaped by ancient glaciers and mining history. Paddle along the boulder-strewn shore if you want a quiet morning, or aim for the islands if you crave adventure. Locals swear the walleye are craftier here.

Public launches are scattered around the perimeter, especially near Van Riper State Park. You’ll see old fishing cabins plus the occasional eagle overhead. Even in peak summer, you’re just as likely to find solitude as company.

If you ever doubted you could get lost in Michigan, Michigamme will prove you wrong (in a good way).

8. Lake Charlevoix

You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the sun set across Lake Charlevoix with wet hair and tired arms. Stretching 17 miles, this is Michigan’s third-largest inland lake; plenty of space for your ambitions, big or small.

The shoreline hops between tiny towns, sandy beaches, and surprise coves. Smallmouth bass are the fish of choice, but I once saw someone land a pike the size of a toddler. Access is easy from Boyne City or East Jordan.

The vibe here is equal parts resort and hometown. People nod hello. There’s always an ice cream place nearby. Paddle past the sailboats, fish along the drop-offs, and stash your phone; this is a no-scroll zone.

Did you know: the annual Venetian Festival, held each July, features a parade of boats, fireworks, and enough local color to make you feel like you belong.

9. Higgins Lake

Crystal-clear is an understatement for Higgins Lake. You can spot every pebble on the sandy bottom; no filter needed. The water’s so inviting you’ll forget you’re technically here to fish or paddle, not just stare at your reflection.

This lake sits between two state parks, established in the 1920s, so the access is easy and the amenities are classic Michigan (think: beachside grills, ice cream, and honest-to-goodness park rangers). Trout, perch, and bass are plentiful if you remember to bring bait instead of just snacks.

Mornings are best for kayaking before the pontoon crowds roll in. Pick your spot, soak up the sun, and give yourself permission to do nothing at all for an hour.

Bonus history: Higgins was once used as a training site for the WWII “frogmen,” the original Navy SEALs. Now it’s just you and your kayak; slightly less heroic, but definitely more peaceful.