Bergess /Pickerel Lake

Bergess Lake and Pickerel Lake form a connected lake system in Grant Township, Mecosta County, roughly six to eight miles from Big Rapids. A dam regulates water levels for the combined lake under a DNR-imposed requirement, a detail confirmed through county records after a group of property owners petitioned to remove that requirement rather than pay into a special assessment district for dam upgrades. The lake sits in a lightly developed stretch of the county near the Haymarsh State Game Area, within reach of Blodgett Landing and Paris Park for visitors extending a stay overnight. Anglers exploring Mecosta County's many lakes sometimes add Bergess-Pickerel to a route that includes nearby Clear Lake and Hunt Lake, both just a few miles away.  Public access points, boat launch availability, posted acreage, and permitted activities, since none of these could be verified from public sources. Visitors exploring the quieter, rural side of Mecosta County away from Big Rapids' more developed waterfront parks may find this a worthwhile stop.