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Greenwood Reservoir

Marquette County, Michigan Reservoir Connected Water
30 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Greenwood Reservoir Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Greenwood Reservoir
Greenwood Reservoir Boat Launch
Van Riper State Park · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 11 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Greenwood Reservoir is an impoundment in Marquette County, meaning it was created by damming a natural waterway. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but it sits within the broader Lake Superior watershed typical of the central UP.

Winter & Ice Safety

At 30 feet max depth, Greenwood Reservoir freezes reliably in a typical UP winter and should support ice fishing. However, as a reservoir, water levels can fluctuate, which may affect ice stability near the dam and in shallower bays. Always check conditions and ice thickness before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Greenwood Reservoir?
Greenwood Reservoir covers 1,073 acres with a maximum depth of 30 feet. It's a large impoundment in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, dotted with numerous small islands.
What fish are in Greenwood Reservoir?
Walleye and northern pike are the most commonly mentioned catches. Reviewers consistently rave about the fishing — one lifelong UP resident called it the best fishing they've ever experienced. The shallow, 30-foot max depth creates productive warm-water habitat.
Is there a boat launch on Greenwood Reservoir?
Yes, there's one public launch on the reservoir. Reviewers describe it as having good launch facilities. There's also a marina on the lake.
Can you kayak on Greenwood Reservoir?
Absolutely — and it's arguably the best use of the lake. The reservoir is filled with small islands you can paddle between and explore. Some islands have fire pits where people cook their catch. The relatively sheltered water between islands makes for great kayaking, though it can get windy on open stretches.
Can you swim in Greenwood Reservoir?
Yes, there's a beach area at the reservoir and reviewers mention swimming. The shallow depth means the water warms up reasonably well in summer by UP standards.
Is Greenwood Reservoir crowded?
No — low traffic is one of its biggest draws. Multiple reviewers specifically mention how few people are around. It has a remote, wild feel despite being in Marquette County.
Where is Greenwood Reservoir?
It's in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The nearest city is Marquette, the largest city in the UP.
Can you ice fish on Greenwood Reservoir?
With a max depth of only 30 feet, Greenwood Reservoir freezes reliably in winter and should support ice fishing for walleye and northern pike. Always check ice conditions before heading out — water levels in reservoirs can fluctuate and affect ice stability.
Do water levels fluctuate on Greenwood Reservoir?
Yes. As an impoundment, water levels can vary. At least one reviewer noted the water levels were really low during their visit. It's worth checking conditions before making the trip, especially later in the season.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Greenwood Reservoir is a 1,073-acre impoundment in Marquette County — one of the Upper Peninsula's hidden gems that locals would rather keep quiet about. The reservoir tops out at 30 feet deep and is studded with small islands that make it exceptional for kayaking and small-boat exploration. With a 4.9 Google rating from 36 reviews, it's one of the highest-rated launch spots in the entire UP, and the consistent theme from visitors is the fishing — walleye and northern pike get mentioned most, with at least one lifelong UP resident calling it the best fishing they've ever had.

The island-dotted layout gives Greenwood a character most Michigan reservoirs lack. You can paddle from island to island, find a fire pit, and cook your catch on the spot. It's a low-traffic spot — reviewers note how few people are around — which adds to the remote, wild feel. Loons are common, and the shoreline has that classic UP mix of boreal forest and quiet water. Water levels can fluctuate since it's an impoundment, so check conditions before heading out, especially late in the season.

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

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