HomeMichiganCalhoun County

Ackley Lake

Calhoun County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Ackley Lake Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Ackley Lake
Ackley Lake Boat Launch
Jackson Field Office · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Ackley Lake is spring-fed and connects to Maple Lake, forming a small two-lake system in Calhoun County. This connection gives paddlers and small-boat anglers access to both lakes from a single launch.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a shallow lake, Ackley likely freezes relatively early and reliably in winter. There's no specific reputation as an ice fishing destination, and given the mixed open-water fishing reports, expectations should be modest. Always check ice thickness before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Ackley Lake?
Fishing reviews are mixed. The shallow, weedy bottom likely supports panfish and bass, but anglers report inconsistent results — especially from shore, where conditions tend to be mucky. Boat fishing may be more productive.
Is Ackley Lake no-wake?
Yes — Ackley Lake is no-wake in its entirety. The DNR does enforce this, so don't plan on running a motor at speed. It's best suited for kayaks, canoes, and small electric-motor fishing boats.
Is there a boat launch on Ackley Lake?
There's one public launch. Parking is tight, so show up early if you're trailering a boat. Given the no-wake rule, car-top launches (kayaks, canoes) are ideal here.
Can you kayak on Ackley Lake?
Absolutely — Ackley Lake is one of the better small lakes for a quiet paddle. The no-wake rule keeps powerboat traffic to a minimum, and you can paddle over to connected Maple Lake for more water to explore.
Is Ackley Lake connected to other lakes?
Yes, Ackley Lake connects to Maple Lake, giving paddlers and small-boat anglers a bit more room to explore beyond Ackley itself.
Is Ackley Lake spring-fed?
Yes, at least one review describes it as spring-fed, which typically means clearer, cooler water than purely runoff-fed lakes of similar size.
Are there campgrounds near Ackley Lake?
Several options nearby: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort, Sherwood Forest Campground, TTCM Bellevue Campground, and Pine Lake Resort are all within a short drive.
How deep is Ackley Lake?
Ackley Lake is described as shallow by multiple visitors. The bottom tends to be mucky, especially near shore. Exact depth data isn't readily available, but don't expect much beyond wading depth near the edges.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Ackley Lake is a small, spring-fed lake in Calhoun County — quiet, shallow, and entirely no-wake. That makes it a paddler's lake more than anything else: kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats only. Reviews consistently mention having the lake to yourself, which is either a selling point or a warning depending on what you're after. The single launch has tight parking, so if you're trailering a boat, arrive early.

The lake connects to Maple Lake, giving you a bit more water to explore by paddle. Fishing reports are mixed — some enjoy it, others report mucky shoreline conditions and slow action. The shallow, weedy bottom likely holds panfish and bass but don't expect a trophy fishery. The shoreline is mostly residential with nice homes. Several campgrounds are within a short drive, including Camp Turkeyville RV Resort and Sherwood Forest Campground.

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