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Ski-kwe zaag'igan

Marquette County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Ski-kwe zaag'igan Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Ski-kwe zaag'igan
Ski-kwe zaag'igan State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Bewabic State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Specific inflow and outflow data for Ski-kwe zaag'igan isn't readily available. The lake sits within Marquette County's state forest land in the Lake Superior watershed. Its small, enclosed character in the surrounding hardwood forest suggests it's likely a headwater or seepage lake without major connecting rivers.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small, likely shallow lake in Marquette County, Ski-kwe zaag'igan should freeze reliably during UP winters. Ice fishing for panfish — especially bluegill — would be a logical extension of the excellent open-water fishing, though reviews don't specifically mention it. Always check ice thickness before venturing out.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Ski-kwe zaag'igan (Squaw Lake)?
Bluegill is the star here — anglers report catching limits of 9"+ fish, which is excellent for bluegill anywhere in Michigan. The lake also supports other panfish species. Reviews consistently describe the fishing as 'spectacular' and 'always good,' likely because the lake sees relatively low pressure due to its remote location.
Where is Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
It's in Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, set deep in state forest land. Expect unpaved roads to reach it. The lake is remote enough that 'off the beaten path' is a common description — that's part of its appeal.
Is there a campground on Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
Yes — the Ski-kwe zaag'igan State Forest Campground sits right on the lake. It's rustic (no electric hookups or modern facilities), shaded by mature hardwoods and conifers. Some campsites are large with their own boat docks, though a few sites are closer together. It's rarely crowded.
Can you swim in Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
You can, but the access at the boat launch is rocky. Bring water shoes or inflatables and head out to deeper water. There's no sandy beach, but the water is clean and the lake is quiet enough that swimming off a float or kayak works well.
Can you kayak on Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
Absolutely — it's a great kayaking lake. The water is calm, traffic is minimal, and the forested shoreline makes for scenic paddling. Reviewers specifically call out kayaking as a highlight.
Why was Squaw Lake renamed Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
The name was changed as part of a statewide effort to replace place names containing the word 'squaw,' which is considered an offensive term. The new name uses Ojibwe language. You'll still see 'Squaw Lake' on older maps and in many reviews.
Is there a boat launch on Ski-kwe zaag'igan?
There's one launch on the lake, located at the state forest campground. It's a basic access point suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks — this isn't a big-motor lake. The launch has a 4.8 Google rating.
Is Ski-kwe zaag'igan crowded?
Rarely. The remote location and unpaved access roads keep traffic low. Multiple reviews emphasize solitude and 'not very many people' as key features. Even the campground tends to be quiet.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Ski-kwe zaag'igan — formerly known as Squaw Lake before its Ojibwe name was restored — is a small, remote lake tucked into the hardwood and conifer forests of Marquette County. It's the kind of Upper Peninsula lake that rewards people willing to drive unpaved roads: quiet water, solid bluegill and panfish fishing, and a state forest campground right on the shore with some sites that include their own boat docks. Reviews consistently mention solitude and good fishing — including limits of 9"+ bluegills — which is exactly what you'd expect from a lake this far off the beaten path.

The single launch is basic and the swimming area at it is rocky, so bring water shoes or plan to float out to deeper water. The surrounding forest is beautiful mature hardwood, and the campground is rustic (no hookups). This is a paddle-and-fish lake, not a ski lake — expect canoes, kayaks, and small boats. The 4.8 Google rating from a small number of reviews reflects the kind of loyalty these hidden UP lakes inspire. The Ojibwe name change reflects a broader effort across Michigan to replace offensive place names with indigenous language names.

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

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