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De Cheau Lake

Montmorency County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
43.7 acres25 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
De Cheau Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on De Cheau Lake
De Cheau Lake Boat Launch
Clear Lake State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 1 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

De Cheau Lake sits within the state forest lands of Montmorency County. Nearby lakes include Avery Lake, Jackson Lake, and Clear Lake, though they are separate water bodies rather than a connected chain.

Winter & Ice Safety

De Cheau Lake's shallow depth means it freezes early and reliably in winter. The remote location and lack of crowds could appeal to ice anglers looking for solitude, though there's no organized ice fishing scene here. Always check ice thickness yourself — this lake doesn't get enough traffic for reliable local reports.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is De Cheau Lake?
De Cheau Lake is in Montmorency County in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, surrounded by state forest land. It's a remote, lightly developed lake — expect gravel roads and minimal signage to get there.
Is there a boat launch on De Cheau Lake?
Yes, there's one public boat launch with access to the lake. It's a basic, unimproved launch suitable for small boats, kayaks, and canoes. The lake is shallow and weedy, so large motorboats aren't practical.
What fish are in De Cheau Lake?
Visitors report fishing on the lake, and the shallow, weedy conditions suggest warm-water species like panfish and bass. The heavy weed growth in summer means working the edges and openings is key.
Can you swim in De Cheau Lake?
There's a small beach area near the launch, but the lake is very shallow with significant weed growth, especially in summer. It's usable for wading and cooling off, but don't expect a sandy swimming beach experience.
Can you camp at De Cheau Lake?
There's rustic state forest camping in the area around the lake. Nearby developed options include Avery Lake State Forest Campground and Jackson Lake State Forest Campground. These are basic sites — no hookups, vault toilets, and you'll need to pack out your trash.
Is De Cheau Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — the small size, shallow water, and lack of motorboat traffic make it a peaceful paddle. The weedy conditions in summer add some navigation challenges but also attract wildlife. Bring your own boat; there's no rental nearby.
Are there ORV trails near De Cheau Lake?
Yes, the surrounding state forest has trails for four-wheeling and side-by-sides. Multiple visitors mention riding ORVs as a primary activity when visiting the lake area.
Is De Cheau Lake crowded?
No. This is one of the more remote, low-traffic lakes in the area. Visitors consistently describe it as quiet and serene. Hunting season brings more activity, but summer weekdays can be nearly empty.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

De Cheau Lake is a small, shallow lake tucked into Montmorency County's state forest land — the kind of place where you might not see another person all day. Reviews consistently describe it as quiet, peaceful, and remote, with a small beach area and a single boat launch. The lake is notably shallow and weedy, especially in summer, which limits motorboat use but makes it a solid spot for kayaking and panfishing the weed edges. This is very much a rustic, off-grid destination — no development, no resorts, just state forest.

The surrounding area is popular with ORV riders and hunters, with trails for side-by-sides and four-wheeling nearby. State forest campgrounds at Avery Lake and Jackson Lake are close, and Clear Lake State Park is a short drive for a more developed beach option. The biggest knock on De Cheau is litter — multiple visitors note that some campers leave a mess. Pack-in, pack-out ethic matters here. If you're looking for a quiet, no-frills spot to paddle, fish, and camp away from crowds, De Cheau fits the bill.

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

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