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Chief Noonday Lake

Barry County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
51.1 acres5 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Chief Noonday Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Chief Noonday Lake
Chief Noonday Lake Boat Launch
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Chief Noonday Lake sits within the Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, which contains several small lakes including Deep Lake and Gun Lake nearby. The broader area drains into the Kalamazoo River watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

At roughly 5 feet deep, Chief Noonday Lake freezes early and solid. It could work for ice fishing if fish are present, though summer reports suggest limited fish populations. Always check ice thickness before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Chief Noonday Lake?
Very shallow — reports indicate it gradually reaches about 5 feet deep at most. The entire lake has a soft, muddy bottom with heavy weed growth.
What fish are in Chief Noonday Lake?
Fishing reports from Chief Noonday Lake are not encouraging. The shallow, weedy water may hold some panfish, but multiple anglers report catching nothing. This isn't a destination fishery — nearby Gun Lake or Deep Lake are better bets.
Is there a boat launch on Chief Noonday Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch, but it's very basic — shallow and weedy access with parking for only about two vehicles. There's no restroom. It's best suited for kayaks, canoes, or small car-top boats.
Can you kayak on Chief Noonday Lake?
Yes, and kayaking or canoeing is probably the best use of this lake. It's small and shallow enough for an easy paddle, with pretty surroundings despite a nearby road. The launch has good access for canoes and kayaks.
Is there camping near Chief Noonday Lake?
Plenty. The lake sits within Yankee Springs Recreation Area, which has multiple campgrounds including the Deep Lake Rustic Campground and the Yankee Springs Camping and RV campsite. There are also cabins visible on the opposite shoreline from the launch.
Where is Chief Noonday Lake?
In Barry County, within the Yankee Springs Recreation Area between Hastings and Yankee Springs. It's a few miles from Gun Lake and roughly midway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
Can you swim in Chief Noonday Lake?
There's no designated swimming beach on Chief Noonday Lake itself, but Yankee Springs Recreation Area has beach access nearby, and Gun Lake Park and Roosevelt Beach are also in the area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Chief Noonday Lake is a small, shallow lake in Barry County tucked within the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. The lake is very shallow — reviews consistently describe it as gradually reaching only about five feet deep — with weedy, muddy-bottomed water throughout. That profile makes it more of a paddling lake than a fishing destination; kayakers and canoeists seem to enjoy it more than anglers. The single launch is basic with space for only two vehicles and no restroom.

The surrounding area is the real draw here. Yankee Springs Recreation Area offers multiple campgrounds (including the Deep Lake Rustic Campground), beaches, and trail systems. Gun Lake is just a few miles away for anyone wanting bigger water with more fishing and boating options. Chief Noonday Lake works best as a quiet side trip for a paddle or a place to drown some worms without expectations — don't bring the expensive tackle.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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