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Lake Leelanau

Leelanau County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
2,914 acres121 ft deep3 launchesRec Passport required
Lake Leelanau Access Map 3 launches
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake Leelanau
Lake Leelanau East Boat Launch
Traverse City State Park · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 18 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Lake Leelanau West Boat Launch
Traverse City State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 5 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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The Narrows Boat Launch
Traverse City State Park · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 29 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lake Leelanau is fed by Cedar Run and Victoria Creek and drains north through the Leland River into Lake Michigan at the village of Leland. The two basins — North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau — are connected by the Lake Leelanau Narrows. The Leland River is short but historically important, passing through Leland's Fishtown district before reaching Lake Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

The shallower north basin generally freezes earlier and more reliably, drawing ice anglers for perch and pike. The south basin's 121-foot depth means it's slower to form consistent ice — use extra caution there. Always verify local conditions before venturing out, especially mid-lake on the south basin.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Leelanau?
The full lake — both basins combined — covers about 8,608 acres. It's divided into North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau, connected by the Lake Leelanau Narrows. The south basin alone is roughly 2,914 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 121 feet.
How deep is Lake Leelanau?
The south basin reaches 121 feet deep, making it one of the deeper inland lakes in the region. That depth creates cold-water habitat in summer and supports species like lake trout. The north basin is generally shallower.
Where is Lake Leelanau?
Lake Leelanau is in Leelanau County on the Leelanau Peninsula, northwest of Traverse City. The community of Lake Leelanau sits at the Narrows between the two basins, and the lake drains into Lake Michigan at the village of Leland.
Is there a boat launch on Lake Leelanau?
There are three public launches on the lake. Options range from a single-ramp site with very limited parking to a double-ramp launch with room for about 20 vehicles. Parking is tight at all of them — get there early on summer weekends. Ramps are paved but basic.
What fish are in Lake Leelanau?
The 121-foot depth of the south basin supports cold-water species including lake trout and whitefish. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and panfish are also present. The shallower north basin and weed edges are better for warm-water species.
Can you swim in Lake Leelanau?
Yes. There are access points around the lake, and several public beaches are nearby including Van's Beach and Reynolds Street Beach in Leland. The water is clean — it drains through the Leland River to Lake Michigan.
Are there campgrounds near Lake Leelanau?
Yes — several campgrounds are close by, including Leelanau Pines Campground, Lake Leelanau RV Park, Paradise Cove Campground, and Wild Cherry Resort. The area is popular, so reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends.
Can you ice fish on Lake Leelanau?
The shallower north basin freezes more reliably and is popular for ice fishing — perch and pike are common targets. The deep south basin can be slower to form safe ice due to its 121-foot depth. Always check local ice conditions before heading out.
Does Lake Leelanau connect to Lake Michigan?
Yes — the lake drains via the Leland River, which flows into Lake Michigan at the village of Leland. It's a short river but historically significant — Leland's Fishtown district sits right at the outlet.
Are there marinas on Lake Leelanau?
Yes. The Narrows Yacht Club and Leelanau Boat Co. are near the Narrows between the two basins. BayView Marina, Fountain Point Resort, and PlayNorth Watersports also offer docking, rentals, or services on or near the lake.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Leelanau sits in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula — wine country, cherry orchards, and some of Michigan's most coveted shoreline. The lake is split into two distinct basins connected by the Lake Leelanau Narrows near the community of the same name. Combined, the two basins cover about 8,608 acres, though the south basin alone accounts for roughly 2,914 acres. South Lake Leelanau reaches 121 feet deep — deep enough for genuine thermal stratification and cold-water species. The lake drains north via the Leland River into Lake Michigan at the postcard-worthy village of Leland, home of Fishtown.

Three public launches serve the lake, though none are spacious — parking fills fast on summer weekends, so arrive early. The Narrows area between the basins is a natural bottleneck and a social hub with marina access and the Narrows Yacht Club. The deep south basin appeals to anglers targeting lake trout and smallmouth bass, while the shallower north basin holds more weed structure for pike and panfish. Campgrounds like Leelanau Pines and Lake Leelanau RV Park put you close to the water, and beaches like Van's Beach in Leland and Good Harbor Bay are short drives away. This is a lake where the scenery competes with the fishing for your attention.

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

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