Home › Michigan › Mackinac County

South Manistique Lake

Mackinac County, Michigan Lake Connected Water
4,001 acres29 ft deep5 launchesFree launch availableRec Passport requiredIce fishing
South Manistique Lake Access Map 5 launches
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on South Manistique Lake
Dunkles Landing
Newberry Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 17 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Dunkles Landing
Newberry Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 17 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Portage Township Park
Portage Township · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 11 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Free
View ramp details →
South Manistique Lake SFCG Boat Launch
Newberry Field Office (PRD) · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 5 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Wolfe Bay Boat Launch
Newberry Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 13 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

The Shoepac River feeds South Manistique Lake from the south. The lake drains northeast through Portage Creek into Big Manistique Lake, which sits 6 feet lower in elevation. Big Manistique Lake in turn drains into the Manistique River system, flowing to Lake Michigan. The two Manistique lakes are essentially a connected pair.

Winter & Ice Safety

With an average depth of only 10 feet and a max of 29 feet, South Manistique Lake freezes early and reliably — it's a solid ice fishing destination for pike, perch, and panfish. As always in the UP, check local ice reports before heading out, especially early and late season.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is South Manistique Lake?
South Manistique Lake covers 4,001 acres — approximately 4.5 miles long and 2 miles wide. It sits at 692 feet above sea level in Mackinac County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
How deep is South Manistique Lake?
The maximum depth is 29 feet with an average depth of just 10 feet. It's a shallow, warm-water lake — most of the basin is under 15 feet. That shallow profile makes it productive for panfish and pike but also means it can get weedy in summer.
Is there a public boat launch on South Manistique Lake?
Yes, there are 4 public launches on the lake. Reviewers note the ramps have docks deep enough to launch easily and plenty of trailer parking. The launches average a 5-star rating on Google.
What fish are in South Manistique Lake?
South Manistique Lake is a warm-water fishery thanks to its shallow depth. Expect northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and crappie. The bays and coves along the shoreline create good structure for bass and panfish.
Can you camp on South Manistique Lake?
Yes. The South Manistique Lake Campground is a DNR rustic campground right on the lake with primitive sites — no hookups, no showers, vault toilets only, and water via hand pump. Reviewers love it and call it one of the best rustic campgrounds in the UP. There are also several private campgrounds and resorts nearby including Log Cabin Resort, Sherman's Manistique Lakes, and Camp Interlaken Resort.
Can you swim in South Manistique Lake?
Yes. Several resorts and beaches offer swimming access, including Deercove Beach and beach areas at Sherman's Manistique Lakes, Birch Shores Resort, and Log Cabin Resort. Note that the DNR rustic campground does not have a designated beach area.
Is South Manistique Lake connected to Big Manistique Lake?
Yes. South Manistique Lake sits 6 feet higher than Big Manistique Lake and drains into it via Portage Creek flowing northeast. The Shoepac River feeds South Manistique Lake from the south. The two lakes are essentially a connected system.
Where is South Manistique Lake?
South Manistique Lake is in Mackinac County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The nearest town is Curtis, which has basic services, gas, and a few restaurants. It's about 20 miles east of Manistique and roughly 50 miles west of St. Ignace.
Can you ice fish on South Manistique Lake?
Yes. With an average depth of just 10 feet and a max of 29 feet, South Manistique Lake freezes reliably and early. It's a solid UP ice fishing lake for pike, perch, and panfish.
Is South Manistique Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — reviewers specifically mention the bays and coves that make the lake fun to explore by paddle. The shallow water and generally calm conditions (it's not as wind-exposed as some large UP lakes) make it well-suited for kayaking and canoeing.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

South Manistique Lake covers 4,001 acres in Mackinac County's Upper Peninsula — roughly 4.5 miles long and 2 miles wide, oriented southwest to northeast. Despite its size, the lake is remarkably shallow with a max depth of just 29 feet and an average depth of only 10 feet. That shallow profile means warm water, early ice, and productive panfish and pike habitat. The shoreline features bays and coves that give the lake more character than a typical UP bowl lake, and the small village of Curtis sits nearby as the main hub for services and lodging.

South Manistique sits 6 feet higher in elevation than its neighbor Big Manistique Lake and drains northeast into it via Portage Creek — the two lakes are essentially a connected system. The Shoepac River feeds the south end. Four public launches serve the lake, all well-reviewed, and the south shore has a popular DNR rustic campground right on the water with vault toilets and hand-pump water. Multiple resorts and campgrounds ring the lake — Log Cabin Resort, Sherman's Manistique Lakes, Sleepy Eyed Goose — giving it a classic UP cabin-country feel without being overdeveloped. Reviewers consistently mention how quiet and peaceful it is, which tracks for this part of the UP.

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

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →