Chippewa Lake

Chippewa Lake covers 790 acres in Mecosta County, making it the largest natural lake in the county and one of its most popular destinations for boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake reaches 42 feet at its deepest point and holds a wide mix of fish, including walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and several panfish species like bluegill and crappie. A public boat launch on the lake offers two unimproved lanes and roughly 40 trailer parking spots, enough capacity that visitors rarely have to circle for a space even on busy summer weekends. The launch stays open year-round and sees regular use from ice anglers in winter, since the access road stays passable even when other county launches close down for the season. Two vault toilets sit near the launch, though visitors should come prepared since maintenance can lag during peak season. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required to use the launch, a detail worth knowing before making the trip. Chippewa Lake sits within Chippewa Township, roughly equidistant from the small towns of Barryton, Mecosta, and Hersey, giving visitors several route options depending on where they're coming from. Locals and visiting anglers return to Chippewa Lake for its size and year-round access, qualities that set it apart from some of the county's smaller, more seasonal lakes.