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Lower Pettibone Lake

Oakland County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
72.3 acres41 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lower Pettibone Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lower Pettibone Lake
Lower Pettibone Lake Boat Launch
Highland State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 10 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lower Pettibone Lake sits in the broader Huron River watershed in Oakland County, near Highland and Proud Lake Recreation Areas. The area has several small lakes and wetlands interconnected through the upper Huron River system.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small, likely shallow Oakland County lake, Lower Pettibone should freeze reliably in a typical Michigan winter. Always check ice thickness before venturing out — 4 inches of clear ice minimum for foot travel. The strong bluegill population would make this a natural ice fishing spot for panfish.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Lower Pettibone Lake?
Bluegill are the star here — locals report catching oversized bluegill regularly, with some described as 'the size of your head.' The lake likely holds other typical Oakland County warm-water species like largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and possibly crappie, but panfish are what people come for.
Is there a boat launch on Lower Pettibone Lake?
Yes, there's one public boat launch on the lake. It's well-reviewed (4.9 stars) but parking is a known issue — there are no marked parking lines, and it gets disorganized on busy days. Arrive early on weekends if you want a stress-free launch.
Do I need a Recreation Passport to launch on Lower Pettibone Lake?
Yes. Reviewers specifically note that the DNR patrols this lake regularly and checks for Recreation Passports. Make sure yours is displayed on your windshield before you launch to avoid a citation.
Is Lower Pettibone Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — the lake's small size and relatively quiet traffic make it a great kayaking and paddling spot. Multiple reviewers mention it as an excellent kayaking lake.
Are there campgrounds near Lower Pettibone Lake?
Several. Highland Recreation Area Campground is the closest option, right in the area. Proud Lake Recreation Area has a modern campground nearby, and White Lake Campground is also within a short drive.
Where is Lower Pettibone Lake?
Lower Pettibone Lake is in Oakland County in southeastern Michigan, near the Highland Recreation Area. It's roughly 45 minutes northwest of Detroit, making it accessible for metro-area day trips.
Can you swim in Lower Pettibone Lake?
There's no designated public beach directly on Lower Pettibone Lake, but Teeple Lake Beach in the Highland Recreation Area is nearby. That's the closest managed swimming option.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lower Pettibone Lake is a small, quiet lake in Oakland County tucked near the Highland Recreation Area — close to metro Detroit but with a distinctly rural feel. It's a kayaking and panfish lake first and foremost, and reviewers rave about the bluegill fishing in particular, with reports of hand-sized (and bigger) fish coming out regularly. The single boat launch gets high marks overall (4.9 stars), though parking is a known pain point — there are no marked lines, and it can get chaotic on busy days.

The DNR patrols this lake frequently, so make sure your Recreation Passport is displayed on your windshield before you launch. The surrounding area offers solid recreation options — Highland Recreation Area Campground is right nearby, and Proud Lake Recreation Area is a short drive away. The Pettibone Yacht Club (PYC) apparently has a loyal local following. This isn't a destination lake for big boats or high-speed watersports — it's the kind of spot where you paddle out, catch a bucket of bluegill, and enjoy the quiet.

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

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