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Gilletts Lake

Jackson County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
30 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Gilletts Lake Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Gilletts Lake
Gilletts Lake Boat Launch
Jackson Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 2 lanes, 22 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Gilletts Lake sits in Jackson County's network of inland lakes near I-94. Portage Lake and Pleasant Lake are nearby alternatives. Specific inflow and outflow information isn't well documented, but the lake is part of the greater Grand River watershed that drains much of south-central Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

With an average depth of just 5 feet, Gilletts Lake freezes early and solidly in a typical Michigan winter. It's a reasonable ice fishing option for panfish, pike, and perch. Always check current conditions, as shallow lakes can also develop pressure cracks and variable ice thickness near weed beds.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Gilletts Lake?
Gilletts Lake is 348 acres, about 1.2 miles long. Maximum depth is just over 30 feet, but the average depth is only about 5 feet — it's a shallow lake overall with significant weed growth through the center.
What fish are in Gilletts Lake?
Gilletts Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, crappie, bowfin, and bullhead. Bass and panfish are the primary catches. Anglers report plenty of fish but note it can take work to find quality-sized ones among the weeds.
Is there a public boat launch on Gilletts Lake?
Yes, there's a paved public boat launch at Gilletts Lake Public Access, rated 4.3 stars. Reviewers describe it as an easy launch with a clean area. A separate park area (Gilletts Lake Park) is nearby with a beach and picnic facilities.
Can you swim in Gilletts Lake?
Yes, Gilletts Lake Park has a public beach with steps into the water. The bottom is relatively sandy and you can walk in without water shoes. The water is shallow near shore. Some visitors have noted issues with goose/duck droppings on the beach — typical for a shallow lake with waterfowl.
Where is Gilletts Lake?
Gilletts Lake is in Jackson County, Michigan, about two minutes from I-94 near the city of Jackson. It's one of the most easily accessible lakes in the Jackson area.
Is Gilletts Lake weedy?
Yes — this is the biggest knock on the lake. With an average depth of only 5 feet, weed growth is extensive, particularly through the center. Anglers report pulling up pounds of stringy weeds on their anchors. The lake association has been working on weed management.
Is Gilletts Lake an all-sports lake?
Yes, Gilletts Lake allows all water sports including powerboats, jet skis, and water skiing. Boaters should follow the counterclockwise traffic pattern — some reviewers note that not everyone does, so stay alert.
Are there campgrounds near Gilletts Lake?
Several campgrounds are nearby, including Portage Lake Campground, The Oaks Campground, Holiday Campgrounds, and Hideaway RV Park. Gilletts Lake Park also appears to offer some facilities.
Can you ice fish on Gilletts Lake?
Yes. With an average depth of 5 feet and a max of 30 feet, Gilletts Lake freezes reliably in winter. The warm-water species — bluegill, perch, pike, and crappie — all make for productive ice fishing targets.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Gilletts Lake covers 348 acres in Jackson County, just two minutes off I-94 — making it one of the most accessible all-sports lakes in the Jackson area. It stretches about 1.2 miles long with a max depth of just over 30 feet, though the average depth is only around 5 feet. That shallow profile means extensive weed growth, especially through the center of the lake, which can be a nuisance for boaters but creates real habitat for warm-water species. Launch reviews consistently mention good bass fishing and surprisingly clear water.

The fish list is solid for a lake this size — largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, crappie, bowfin, and bullhead. The weedy shallows are bass and panfish territory, and anglers report the lake is "loaded with hungry fish" though finding quality-sized ones can take some searching through the mats. Gilletts Lake Park offers a public beach, picnic area, paved boat launch, and apparently a disc golf course behind the park. The lake is a true neighborhood lake — longtime residents are loyal to it — but the shallow, weedy conditions and occasional boater congestion are worth knowing about before you go.

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

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