Burt Lake is a central piece of Michigan's Inland Waterway — a navigable chain stretching from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron. The Crooked River, Maple River, and Sturgeon River all flow into Burt Lake, and it drains south through Indian River into Mullet Lake. From Mullet Lake, the Cheboygan River carries water to Lake Huron, completing the historic waterway that once served as a major Native American and fur trade route.
Burt Lake freezes reliably each winter and supports a solid ice fishing season for walleye, perch, and lake trout. The shallower bays freeze first — deeper basins (up to 73 feet) take longer to set up safe ice. Always check local reports before heading out, especially in early season and near river inflows where current thins the ice.
How big is Burt Lake?
Is there a fee to launch a boat at Burt Lake?
Can you swim in Burt Lake?
Is Burt Lake part of the Inland Waterway?
Are there campgrounds on Burt Lake?
Where is Burt Lake located?
How deep is Burt Lake?
What is the Crooked River run from Burt Lake?
Burt Lake is Michigan's third-largest inland lake at 17,120 acres in Cheboygan County — about five miles wide with a max depth of 73 feet. It's a key link in the Inland Waterway, the historic chain of lakes and rivers that connects Lake Huron to Crooked Lake via Indian River, Burt Lake, Crooked River, and beyond. Three major rivers feed it — the Maple, Crooked, and Sturgeon — and it drains south through the Indian River into Mullet Lake. That flow-through keeps the water quality high and surprisingly clear for a lake this size, with visible sandbars scattered across the shallows.
The lake has extensive shallow flats — reviewers mention wading 200 feet from shore in waist-deep water — but the deeper basins hold walleye, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing draws a winter crowd, though trout fishing through the ice can be hit-or-miss. The town of Indian River sits at the south end and serves as the main hub for services, restaurants, and marina access. Burt Lake State Park anchors the southeast shore with a solid sandy beach and campground, while Maple Bay State Forest Campground on the west side offers a more rustic, first-come-first-serve experience (bring bug spray — it's swampy back there). Multiple marinas line the shore, and the two public launches are well-maintained with minimal wait times even on summer weekends. The Crooked River run from Burt Lake upstream is a popular paddle, and the 4th of July fireworks viewed from the water at the Indian River crossing are a local tradition.