HomeMichiganOgemaw County

Devoe Lake

Ogemaw County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
122.2 acres53 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Devoe Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Devoe Lake
Devoe Lake Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Devoe Lake sits within the Rifle River Recreation Area, which encompasses several small lakes connected by the Rifle River system. The Rifle River flows east through Ogemaw County and eventually empties into Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron.

Winter & Ice Safety

Devoe Lake is a small, shallow lake that likely freezes reliably in winter. Ice fishing is possible, though the no-motors rule and remote setting mean you won't find a shanty town out here — it's a quiet spot for a few tip-ups. Always check ice thickness before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are motors allowed on Devoe Lake?
No. Devoe Lake prohibits both gas and electric motors. It's paddle-only — kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. This keeps the lake quiet and largely uncrowded.
Can you swim in Devoe Lake?
Yes. People swim in Devoe Lake regularly, and there's a beach area at Devoe Campground. The lake also has a small island you can paddle to and wade around.
Is there camping near Devoe Lake?
Devoe Campground sits right on the lake and offers rustic sites. The broader Rifle River Recreation Area has additional campgrounds nearby, and The Cove Family Campground is also in the area.
What fish are in Devoe Lake?
Reviews mention good fishing but specifics are limited. As a no-motor lake in the Rifle River Recreation Area, expect panfish like bluegill and pumpkinseed, plus bass. The lack of motor pressure means fish tend to be less spooked.
Where is Devoe Lake?
Devoe Lake is in Ogemaw County, inside the Rifle River Recreation Area in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It's roughly 15 miles east of Rose City.
Is there a boat launch on Devoe Lake?
There's one launch on the lake. Since only non-motorized boats are allowed, it's a carry-in style access — fine for kayaks, canoes, and small rowboats.
Is Devoe Lake crowded?
No. The no-motors rule and rustic setting keep crowds low. Multiple visitors report having the entire lake to themselves, even on nice days.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Devoe Lake is a quiet, no-motors lake tucked inside the Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County. No gas or electric motors are allowed, which keeps things peaceful and makes it a paddler's lake — kayaks, canoes, and rowboats only. The lake has an island you can paddle to and explore, and the water is clean enough that people swim right off their boats. Fishing is reportedly good in the rustic, unpressured way you'd expect from a lake with zero motor traffic.

The Rifle River Recreation Area surrounds Devoe Lake and offers rustic camping right on the water at Devoe Campground, plus access to several other small lakes in the area — Grousehaven, Lost, and others that are all connected by the Rifle River system. If you're looking for a day where you have an entire lake to yourself, this is a realistic place to find it.

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