HomeMichiganKalamazoo County

Sherman Lake

Kalamazoo County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
143.7 acres35 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Sherman Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Sherman Lake
Sherman Lake Boat Launch
Fort Custer State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 15 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Sherman Lake sits in the Kalamazoo River watershed in southwest Michigan. It's a relatively self-contained small lake near the Fort Custer Recreation Area corridor, in the same general region as Gull Lake and other Kalamazoo County lakes.

Winter & Ice Safety

Sherman Lake appears to be relatively shallow based on launch-area descriptions, and should freeze reliably in a typical Michigan winter. Always check ice thickness before venturing out. No specific reports of ice fishing popularity, but bluegill and pike lakes like this can produce through the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Sherman Lake?
Bluegill and bass are the most commonly caught species. There are also northern pike in the lake, though locals say they take more effort to find. Reviews describe fishing as consistent, especially in season. The lake has oxygen aerators installed to maintain healthy water conditions.
Is there a fee to launch at Sherman Lake?
No — the public boat launch is free to use. It's a single paved concrete ramp with a courtesy dock, vault toilet, and adequate parking.
Can you swim in Sherman Lake?
Swimming used to be allowed at the public launch area, but reviews indicate that's no longer the case — the dock area is now boat-launch only. Fort Custer Recreation Area nearby has a public beach, and the YMCA Outdoor Center on the lake may offer swim access for program participants.
Where is Sherman Lake?
Sherman Lake is in Kalamazoo County in southwest Michigan, roughly 15 minutes from Battle Creek. It's near Fort Custer Recreation Area and in the same general area as Gull Lake, though much smaller and quieter.
Is Sherman Lake good for kayaking or canoeing?
Yes — it's a great small lake for paddling. The launch is an easy walk from surrounding neighborhoods, and the lake is calm enough to carry a canoe to the water without hassle. Quiet fishing hours when motorized watersports are restricted make mornings especially nice for paddlers.
Are there campgrounds near Sherman Lake?
Fort Custer Recreation Area is the closest full-service campground with tent and RV sites plus a beach. The Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center runs camp programs on the lake itself. Cold Brook County Park is also nearby.
How is the water quality in Sherman Lake?
Very good. Multiple reviews describe clear water, and the lake has oxygen aerators (bubblers) installed to minimize weed growth and keep dissolved oxygen levels healthy. It's a well-maintained small lake.
Are there quiet hours on Sherman Lake?
Yes — the lake has designated hours when skiing and high-speed boating are not permitted, giving anglers and paddlers time on the water without wake traffic. This is a popular feature among local fishermen.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Sherman Lake is a small, clear-water lake in Kalamazoo County — a quiet neighborhood lake that punches above its weight for fishing access and water quality. The single public launch is paved with a courtesy dock and free parking in a residential cul-de-sac. Reviews consistently mention clear water, and the lake has oxygen aerators installed to keep weed growth down and maintain healthy fish habitat — a sign that local residents actively manage water quality. Bluegill and bass are the main catches, with some pike that take a bit more patience to dial in.

The lake has designated quiet hours for fishing when skiing isn't permitted, which is a real plus for anglers who don't want to compete with jet ski traffic. The YMCA Outdoor Center on the shore runs summer camp programs and hosts events, and Fort Custer Recreation Area is right nearby with camping, equestrian trails, and a beach. It's roughly 15 minutes from Battle Creek and sits in the same general corridor as Gull Lake, though Sherman is far smaller and more low-key.

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