Ellis Lake is a small reservoir in Grand Traverse County. Specific inflow and outflow details are limited, but the lake sits in the broader Grand Traverse Bay watershed area, near other small lakes including Lake Dubonnet and Lake Ann.
Ellis Lake is small and likely shallow enough to freeze reliably in winter. At least one reviewer mentioned visiting for ice fishing. Always check ice thickness locally before heading out — conditions vary year to year.
What fish are in Ellis Lake?
Can you swim in Ellis Lake?
Is there a boat launch on Ellis Lake?
Where is Ellis Lake?
Can you camp at Ellis Lake?
Is Ellis Lake good for kayaking?
Is there a resort on Ellis Lake?
Is Ellis Lake crowded?
Ellis Lake is a small, quiet lake in Grand Traverse County near Interlochen — surrounded mostly by state land, which keeps development minimal and the atmosphere secluded. The lake has a mucky, silty bottom with plenty of lily pads and is better suited for kayaking and fishing than swimming. Bass, panfish, and small pike are present, though reviewers note the fishing is "technical" — you'll need to spend time learning the lake's structure to find fish consistently.
The public launch is bare-bones — a small gravel ramp suitable for kayaks, canoes, or small fishing boats with no bathrooms, no trash cans, and no trails. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required. Ellis Lake Resort sits on the lake and is the only developed property on the water, popular as a wedding weekend destination thanks to the adjacent BlueBridge Events Center. Interlochen is just minutes away, and Traverse City is about a 15–25 minute drive, making Ellis Lake a genuinely secluded base close to major attractions.