Part of the Elk River Chain of Lakes. Formerly known as Grass Lake. Intermediate River flows in from the north through the village of Bellaire. Grass River flows out the south end toward Clam Lake and eventually Torch Lake. Grass Creek feeds the North Arm. Water trail loop connects to Ohio St Launch in Bellaire village.
Lake Bellaire freezes reliably. Popular ice fishing destination.
Can you take a boat from Lake Bellaire to Torch Lake?
How deep is Lake Bellaire?
How big is Lake Bellaire?
Is there a public beach on Lake Bellaire?
Can you kayak on Lake Bellaire?
What is the Grass River Natural Area?
What is there to do in Bellaire Michigan?
Where is Lake Bellaire?
Formerly known as what lake?
Lake Bellaire — formerly Grass Lake — is the deep central hub of the Elk River Chain. At 1,790 acres and 95 feet deep, it supports both cold water species (lake trout, splake, brown trout) in the depths and warm water fish (bass, pike, walleye) in the shallows. The deep water stays cold and oxygen-rich through summer, which is unusual and valuable for the fishery.
The lake is calmer and less choppy than Torch — a good fallback when winds are high on the big lake. Crystal clear water, sandy bottom in most areas, with pleasant swimming temperatures. The village of Bellaire sits on the west shore with Short's Brewing as the local landmark. Extensive wetlands surround the lake, particularly on the north and south ends — ecologically important and home to loons (a loon preserve exists at the north end, stay away from nests). Walleye fishing requires patience here — it's a dawn and dusk bite, mostly trolling at 10-15 feet, with the dropoffs near the Intermediate River inflow and the island structure off Fisherman's Paradise as the key spots.