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Leach Lake

Barry County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
105.3 acres40 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Leach Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Leach Lake
Leach Lake Boat Launch
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 10 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Leach Lake is part of the broader Barry County watershed in southwestern Michigan. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but the area drains generally toward the Thornapple and Kalamazoo River systems.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small Barry County lake, Leach Lake likely freezes reliably in winter, though specific depth data isn't published. Always check ice thickness before heading out — 4 inches minimum for foot traffic, more for vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Leach Lake?
Specific species stocking data isn't widely published for Leach Lake, but reviewers report good fishing. Barry County lakes generally hold bass, bluegill, and panfish. The lack of fishing pressure is a plus — locals say they've never had a bad experience here.
Is there a public boat launch on Leach Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on the lake. It has a 4.5-star Google rating from 11 reviews, with users praising the uncrowded conditions.
Is Leach Lake crowded?
No — this is one of its biggest selling points. Multiple reviewers specifically mention it's never overcrowded. It's a small lake with a single launch and low profile, so you'll usually have plenty of room.
Are there campgrounds near Leach Lake?
Several campgrounds are within a short drive, including Welcome Woods Campground, Whispering Waters Campground, Rivergate Family Campground, Camp Thornapple, and Winding Creek Camp.
Where is Leach Lake in Michigan?
Leach Lake is in Barry County in southwestern Michigan, roughly between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
Are there actually leeches in Leach Lake?
The name certainly invites the question, and at least one reviewer has joked about it. Leeches exist in many Michigan lakes — they're common in warm, weedy shallows statewide and aren't unique to this lake. Don't let the name put you off.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Leach Lake is a small, quiet lake in Barry County with a single public launch and very little traffic — reviewers consistently note it's never overcrowded. The fishing gets good marks from those who know it, and the low pressure means you're likely to have the water mostly to yourself. The name does invite jokes (and at least one reviewer couldn't resist), but don't let that scare you off.

Barry County sits in the heart of southwestern Michigan's lake country, and Leach Lake is one of the smaller, overlooked options in an area with plenty of campgrounds nearby — Welcome Woods, Whispering Waters, and Camp Thornapple are all within a short drive. If you're looking for a low-key spot to put in a small boat or kayak and fish without competing for space, this fits the bill.

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

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