Little Long Lake does not connect to any neighboring lakes despite being surrounded by them — Budd Lake lies to the west, McWatty Lake to the north, and Sutherland Lake to the east. The lake's only waterway connection is the small canal running under US-127 that links its own two halves.
Little Long Lake's 43 acres should freeze reliably in a typical central Michigan winter, though the 50-foot maximum depth means ice can be thinner over the deeper sections. Always check ice thickness, especially early and late in the season.
How big is Little Long Lake in Clare County?
Is there a public boat launch on Little Long Lake?
What fish are in Little Long Lake?
Where is Little Long Lake located?
Can you kayak on Little Long Lake?
Does Little Long Lake connect to other lakes?
Are there campgrounds near Little Long Lake?
Can you ice fish on Little Long Lake?
Little Long Lake is a 43-acre lake split in two by US-127 in Clare County, with a small canal running under the highway connecting both halves. It's an unusual setup — you're essentially paddling or fishing on two distinct basins linked by an underpass. Despite its small footprint, the lake reaches 50 feet deep, which is surprisingly deep for its size and gives it more character than the typical shallow Clare County pothole lake. The lake sits right near Harrison, the self-proclaimed "20 Lakes in 20 Minutes" town, with Budd Lake, McWatty Lake, and Sutherland Lake all nearby — though Little Long Lake doesn't actually connect to any of them.
There's one public launch on the lake, and with only 43 acres of water, it's best suited for kayaking, canoeing, and small boats. Reviews are mixed on fishing — some love it, some strike out — but the 50-foot depth suggests the lake holds more than just shallow-water panfish. Wilson State Park beach is nearby on Budd Lake, and several private campgrounds cluster in the Harrison area. It's a quiet, in-town lake that locals appreciate more as a peaceful retreat than a destination fishery.