HomeMichiganMarquette County

Little Shag Lake

Marquette County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
78.9 acres35 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
Little Shag Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Little Shag Lake
Little Shag Lake Boat Launch
Escanaba Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 7 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Little Shag Lake sits in the forested interior of Marquette County. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but the lake is part of the broader Upper Peninsula watershed system with several other small lakes — including nearby Anderson Lake and Bass Lake — in the surrounding state forest land.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small lake in the Upper Peninsula, Little Shag likely freezes early and solidly each winter. Ice fishing is plausible, though bass aren't a primary ice target — check locally for panfish potential. Always verify ice thickness before heading out, especially early and late in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on Little Shag Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch. It's suited for small boats — canoes, kayaks, and small aluminum boats. This isn't a big-boat lake, so plan accordingly.
Where is Little Shag Lake?
In Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's a rural, forested setting with a handful of nearby cottages and resorts but no major town directly on the lake.
Are there campgrounds near Little Shag Lake?
Yes — Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground and Bass Lake State Forest Campground are both nearby, along with Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park. All offer rustic UP camping within a short drive of the lake.
Can you swim in Little Shag Lake?
There's a beach area at the nearby Elemental Resort, so swimming is possible. The lake's small, quiet character makes it a pleasant spot for a dip, though it's primarily known as a fishing lake.
Is Little Shag Lake crowded?
No. Reviewers specifically praise how quiet and uncrowded it is. The small size and remote Marquette County location keep traffic low — you'll likely have the lake mostly to yourself.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Little Shag Lake is a small, quiet lake in Marquette County that punches above its weight for bass fishing. Reviewers consistently report catching double-digit bass in a single outing — 20 in an evening isn't unusual here. It's a small-boat lake, so leave the big rig at home and bring a canoe, kayak, or a modest aluminum boat. The single launch has a 4.8-star rating from anglers who appreciate the low-key vibe and productive fishing.

The surrounding area has a true Upper Peninsula backcountry feel — no crowds, no development pressure, just woods and water. A handful of cottages and a small resort sit nearby, and state forest campgrounds at Anderson Lake and Bass Lake are within easy reach if you want to make a weekend of it. If you're looking for a quiet spot where you can hammer bass without competing for space, Little Shag delivers.

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