Home › Michigan › Clare County

Arnold Lake

Clare County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
115.8 acres80 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Arnold Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Arnold Lake
Arnold Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Arnold Lake is part of the dense cluster of small lakes in the Harrison area of Clare County. Specific inflow and outflow details for this lake are not well-documented, but the surrounding area drains into the broader Muskegon River watershed.

Winter & Ice Safety

Arnold Lake is small enough that it should freeze reliably most Michigan winters. The near-80-foot depth means ice thickness can vary — deeper areas may be slower to form safe ice. Always check conditions locally before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is Arnold Lake?
Arnold Lake is reported to reach close to 80 feet at its deepest point, which is unusually deep for a small lake in Clare County. That depth creates cooler water conditions that may support a wider range of fish species than a typical shallow lake in the area.
Is there a public boat launch on Arnold Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch, but it's small and tricky. There's no dedicated truck-and-trailer parking — you back in directly off a busy road, and space is tight. It's best suited for small boats, kayaks, or canoes rather than larger rigs.
Can you swim in Arnold Lake?
Yes. The lake has a mostly sandy bottom and reviews consistently mention swimming. There's a private beach managed by the lake association for members, but the lake itself is publicly accessible.
Where is Arnold Lake?
Arnold Lake is in Clare County, near Harrison, Michigan. It's one of the many small lakes clustered in the Harrison area — locals call it part of the '20 lakes in 20 minutes' group.
Is Arnold Lake an all-sports lake?
Yes, Arnold Lake is designated all-sports, meaning motorized watercraft are allowed. However, given its small size, it's not really a ski or wake lake — it's more practical for fishing boats and paddle craft.
Are there campgrounds near Arnold Lake?
Several campgrounds are within a short drive, including The Lost Oaks Campground, Countryside Campground and Cabins, Harrison Shady Acres Campground, Cedar Shores Campground, and Dodge City Campground. Harrison is a popular camping area.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Arnold Lake is a small all-sports lake in Clare County near Harrison — one of the "20 lakes in 20 minutes" that cluster around that area. Despite its modest surface area, the lake reportedly drops to close to 80 feet at its deepest point, which is surprisingly deep for a small lake in this part of Michigan. That depth likely supports decent warm- and cool-water fish populations. Reviews mention good fishing (best from a boat) and a mostly sandy bottom, which makes for solid swimming conditions.

The vibe here is quiet and residential — waterfront homes and cottages line the shore, and a lake association manages a private beach and pavilion. There's one public launch, but fair warning: it's tight, has no real truck-and-trailer parking, and you back in off a busy road. This is a small-boat lake — kayaks, canoes, and modest fishing boats are the move. Harrison is close by with services, and several campgrounds are within a short drive.

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

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →