HomeMichiganIron County

Fire Lake

Iron County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
130.8 acres40 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Fire Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Fire Lake
Fire Lake Boat Launch
Baraga State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Fire Lake is located in the Iron County watershed in the western Upper Peninsula. Specific inflows and outflows are not well-documented, but the lake sits within the broader Lake Michigan drainage basin typical of the western UP.

Winter & Ice Safety

Fire Lake is a small Upper Peninsula lake in Iron County, which gets some of Michigan's coldest winters. It likely freezes reliably and relatively early. Check local ice conditions before venturing out, but the area is well-suited for ice fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fire Lake the one Bob Seger sings about?
No. Despite sharing the name, the Bob Seger song "Fire Lake" (1980, Against the Wind) is actually about Silver Lake in the Pinckney-Hell-Dexter area of southeastern Michigan. This Fire Lake is in Iron County in the Upper Peninsula — about 400 miles north. Reviewers at the launch confirm this regularly.
What fish are in Fire Lake?
Reviewers report catching panfish (bluegill, perch, etc.). At least one angler described it as a good one-time panfish spot. The lake's excellent water clarity — visible to 10 feet — suggests a clean, relatively oligotrophic lake.
Is the water clear in Fire Lake?
Very clear. Reviewers report being able to see 10 feet deep, which is excellent clarity for an inland Michigan lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Fire Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on the lake. It has a 4.8-star Google rating from 10 reviews, so access is solid and well-regarded.
Where is Fire Lake in Michigan?
Fire Lake is in Iron County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Iron County is in the western UP, inland from the Wisconsin border. The area is sparsely populated and heavily forested.
Are there campgrounds near Fire Lake?
Yes. Gibson Lake Park & Campgrounds is nearby, giving you a base for multi-day stays in the area.
Is there a marina on Fire Lake?
Yes, there is a marina listed on Fire Lake, which is notable for a smaller UP lake.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Fire Lake sits in Iron County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula — a small, clear lake with a single public launch and a 4.8-star rating from visitors. No, this is not the Fire Lake that Bob Seger was singing about (that's Silver Lake down in the Pinckney-Hell-Dexter area), but reviewers say the lake itself is "awesome." Water clarity is excellent — reviewers report seeing 10 feet deep — and the lake produces panfish, though at least one angler described it as a "one-off" for pan-fish rather than a destination fishery.

The surrounding area is classic Upper Peninsula — quiet, forested, and lightly developed. Gibson Lake Park & Campgrounds is nearby for overnighting, and there's a marina on the lake. Iron County is iron-mining country with sparse population, so expect solitude rather than crowds. If you're looking for a clear, peaceful UP lake where you can drop a line for panfish and enjoy the quiet, Fire Lake delivers.

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