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Martiny Lake

Mecosta County, Michigan Inland Lake Chain of Lakes
2,064.1 acres40 ft deep3 launchesRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Martiny Lake Access Map 3 launches
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Martiny Lake
Big Evans Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 15 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Lower Evans Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 25 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Winchester Dam Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Martiny Lake is part of the Martiny Chain of Lakes, a system of approximately 11 interconnected lakes in Mecosta County linked by navigable channels. Tubbs Lake is one of the most prominent connected lakes in the chain. A dam on Martiny Lake controls water flow in the system.

Winter & Ice Safety

The weedy, shallow character of the Martiny Chain suggests it freezes relatively early and reliably. Ice fishing for panfish — especially bluegill — is a natural fit given the chain's warm-water fishery. Always check current ice conditions before heading out, as channel areas between lakes may freeze unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Martiny Chain of Lakes?
The Martiny Chain of Lakes is a connected system of roughly 11 lakes in Mecosta County linked by navigable channels. Locals sometimes call it the "Michigan Everglades" because of the weedy, wild character of the connecting waterways. You can launch at Martiny Lake and cruise the entire chain by boat.
What fish are in Martiny Lake?
Bluegill is the headline species — anglers report catching 10-inch bluegill in the chain, which is excellent size. The system also holds other panfish and is generally known as productive warm-water fishing. The dam at Martiny Lake is a popular shore-fishing spot where people reportedly catch limits regularly.
Is there a public boat launch on Martiny Lake?
Yes — Martiny Lake has three public launches. They're well-reviewed (4.7 average on Google) and provide access to the full Martiny Chain of Lakes through connecting channels.
Can you fish from shore at Martiny Lake?
Yes. There's a small dam on the lake with a walkable structure that's a popular shore-fishing spot. People also fish from the dock at the launch. Both spots reportedly produce well.
Is Martiny Lake weedy?
Yes, the lake and its connecting channels have significant weed growth. That's part of what makes the fishing so productive — weeds create excellent panfish habitat — but it can be a nuisance for some boaters, especially in late summer.
Are there campgrounds near Martiny Lake?
Yes. Martiny Lakes Hide-Away LLC and New Tubb's Lake Resort are both nearby, putting you within easy reach of the lake and the broader chain.
Can you swim in Martiny Lake?
Yes. Martiny Lake has a beach area, and nearby Tubbs Lake also offers swimming access. The weedy character of the lake means swimming is best in designated beach areas rather than random shoreline spots.
How many lakes can you access from Martiny Lake?
Approximately 11 lakes are connected through the Martiny Chain of Lakes via navigable channels. You can launch at Martiny and explore the entire system by boat.
Where is Martiny Lake?
Martiny Lake is in Mecosta County in central-west Michigan, near Tubbs Lake and the broader Martiny Chain of Lakes system.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Martiny Lake sits in Mecosta County and serves as a gateway to the Martiny Chain of Lakes — a connected system of roughly 11 lakes linked by channels that locals call the "Michigan Everglades." That chain access is the real draw here. You can launch at Martiny and cruise through weedy, wild channels into a sprawling network of interconnected lakes, making it feel more like an expedition than a typical day on the water. Three public launches serve Martiny Lake itself, and all carry strong ratings.

The fishing is legitimately good — reviewers report fast bluegill action (with 10-inch specimens coming out of the chain), plus solid panfish throughout the system. The lake has a dam with a walkable structure that doubles as a popular shore-fishing spot where people reportedly hit limits quickly. The shoreline is weedy, which keeps the fish happy even if it frustrates some boaters. Nearby Tubbs Lake is part of the same system, and campgrounds like Martiny Lakes Hide-Away and New Tubb's Lake Resort put you right on the water. This is a quiet, exploratory chain — more about poking through channels and finding hidden spots than open-water cruising.

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

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