HomeMichiganMason County

Pleiness Lake

Mason County, Michigan natural lake Connected Water
38 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Pleiness Lake Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Pleiness Lake
Pleiness Lake Boat Launch
Baldwin Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 10 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Pleiness Lake is a natural lake in Eden Township, Mason County. Specific inflow and outflow details aren't well documented, but the lake sits within the broader Pere Marquette River watershed region of northwestern Lower Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

With an average depth of just 9 feet, Pleiness Lake freezes early and holds ice reliably through winter. It's a reasonable choice for ice fishing panfish and perch. Always verify ice thickness yourself — small lakes can have inconsistent ice near inflows.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Pleiness Lake?
Pleiness Lake has about 1.9 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 38 feet, and an average depth of 9 feet. It's a small, natural lake — compact enough to paddle around in an afternoon.
Is Pleiness Lake the same as Lost Lake in Mason County?
Yes. Pleiness Lake is also known as Lost Lake. You'll see both names used on maps and local signage. The nearby beach area is listed as Lost Lake beach.
What fish are in Pleiness Lake?
The shallow, warm profile supports typical warm-water species — expect bass, panfish like bluegill and pumpkinseed, and potentially some perch. The 38-foot hole may hold cooler-water fish deeper in summer. Visitors report excellent fishing overall.
Is there a boat launch on Pleiness Lake?
Yes, there is one public launch on the lake. It's suitable for small boats and kayaks — this isn't a big-water lake, so you won't need a large vessel.
Can you swim in Pleiness Lake?
Yes. There's a beach area at Lost Lake, and visitors report warm water temperatures in summer. The shallow average depth of 9 feet means the lake heats up quickly.
Are there campgrounds near Pleiness Lake?
Yes — Whiskey Creek Campground and the Whelan Lake Area are both nearby, giving you options for a multi-day stay.
Where is Pleiness Lake located?
Pleiness Lake is in Eden Township, Mason County, in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It's a rural, quiet setting well off the beaten path.
Can you ice fish on Pleiness Lake?
The lake's shallow average depth of 9 feet means it freezes early and reliably, making it a reasonable ice fishing spot. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Pleiness Lake — also known as Lost Lake — is a small natural lake in Eden Township, Mason County, tucked into the northwestern Lower Peninsula. At roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline, it's a compact, quiet water with a maximum depth of 38 feet and an average depth of just 9 feet. That shallow average means the lake warms up fast in summer and freezes reliably in winter. Locals describe it as one of the most peaceful lakes in Michigan, with bald eagles, cranes, and plenty of wildlife along the undeveloped stretches of shore.

There's one public launch on the lake, and a beach area also goes by the Lost Lake name. The shallow, weedy profile creates solid warm-water fish habitat — expect panfish and bass in the shallows, with the deeper 38-foot hole potentially holding some cooler-water species. Whiskey Creek Campground and Whelan Lake Area are both nearby, making this a good base camp lake for a quiet northwest Michigan getaway without the resort-town crowds.

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