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Mitchell Lake

Iron County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
43.9 acres12 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Mitchell Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Mitchell Lake
Mitchell Lake Boat Launch
Bewabic State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Specific inflow and outflow data for Mitchell Lake in Iron County is limited. The lake sits within the Upper Peninsula's watershed system. Note: this is not the same Mitchell Lake near Cadillac that connects via canal to Lake Cadillac — that review appears to reference a different lake.

Winter & Ice Safety

Located in Iron County in the UP, Mitchell Lake freezes reliably and typically offers a solid ice fishing season. Walleye and pike are the main winter targets. Always check local ice conditions before heading out, as sandbars can create uneven ice thickness in shallower areas.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Mitchell Lake?
Walleye, northern pike, and bass are the most commonly reported catches. Reviewers who fish here regularly say walleye fishing is reliable. The lake is more of a fishing destination than a recreation lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Mitchell Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch. It's a decent ramp with a park alongside it (picnic tables, pavilion, restrooms, swimming beach), but parking for vehicles with trailers is limited and there's no dock. Plan accordingly, especially on busy weekends.
Can you swim in Mitchell Lake?
Yes. There's a swimming beach at the park next to the boat launch, and the water is described as clean. The nearby Glidden Lake State Forest Campground also has a beach.
Are there sandbars on Mitchell Lake?
Yes — multiple reviewers warn about sandbars. It's smart to go out with someone who knows the lake your first time, or at least idle slowly and pay attention to depth.
Where is Mitchell Lake in Michigan?
Mitchell Lake is in Iron County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's a rural, quiet setting — very much UP character with no nearby large towns.
Are there campgrounds near Mitchell Lake?
Yes. Glidden Lake State Forest Campground is nearby and has a beach. Wilderness Shores, a WE Energies recreation area, is also in the vicinity. Pilgrim's Village on the lake offers cabin rentals.
Can you ice fish on Mitchell Lake?
Being in the UP, Mitchell Lake freezes reliably each winter. Walleye and pike are the primary targets. No specific ice fishing events are noted, but the lake's fishing reputation carries into the ice season.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Mitchell Lake sits in Iron County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula — a quiet, clean-water lake that draws a steady crowd of anglers and cabin renters rather than party boaters. Reviews consistently mention walleye, pike, and bass fishing, and the lake has a reputation as a peaceful retreat with stunning sunsets. There are some sandbars to watch for, so it's worth boating with someone who knows the water before exploring on your own.

The single public launch has a 4.5 rating but limited trailer parking and no dock, which can be frustrating. Adjacent to the launch is a small park with picnic tables, a swimming beach, a pavilion, and restrooms — a solid setup for a day trip. Pilgrim's Village offers cabin rentals on the lake, and nearby Glidden Lake State Forest Campground and Wilderness Shores (WE Energies) provide camping options. This is UP quiet — no resort-town buzz, just cold water, good fishing, and genuine solitude.

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

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