HomeMichiganOgemaw County

George Lake

Ogemaw County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
188.2 acres90 ft deep1 launchRec Passport required
George Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on George Lake
George Lake Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 5 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

George Lake sits in Ogemaw County near Grousehaven Lake. Specific inflow and outflow details are not well documented, but the area is part of the broader Au Gres River and Rifle River watershed region of north-central Lower Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

George Lake likely freezes reliably given its location in Ogemaw County, though specific depth data isn't available. Always check ice thickness locally before venturing out — conditions can vary across the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a boat launch on George Lake?
Yes, there's one DNR boat launch — George Lake Boat Launch. It's a decent ramp but the parking lot is very small, with room for roughly three trucks and trailers. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required to use it.
Can you swim in George Lake?
Yes. There's no formal public beach, but people swim from the launch area and shoreline. The water stays cold and refreshing even during hot summer days.
Is George Lake crowded?
Generally no — it's a quiet, under-the-radar lake. The main bottleneck is the tiny parking lot at the launch, which fills up fast. If you get a spot, you'll likely have plenty of room on the water.
Where is George Lake in Michigan?
George Lake is in Ogemaw County in the north-central Lower Peninsula, in the general area between West Branch and Houghton Lake.
Do I need a pass to launch at George Lake?
Yes. The DNR launch requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which you can add to your vehicle registration or purchase at the launch.
Is George Lake good for birding?
Yes — some visitors specifically come to George Lake for birding. The area around the lake and nearby Grousehaven Lake provides good shoreline and wetland habitat.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

George Lake is a small, quiet lake in Ogemaw County that punches above its weight for bass and pike fishing. The single DNR launch has a tight parking lot — room for about three trucks with trailers — so timing matters on busy weekends. The lake has a reputation as a solid little bass and pike fishery, and the water stays cold enough to be refreshing even in the heat of summer.

The vibe here is low-key and neighborly — more "locals who know about it" than "destination lake." Swimmers use the lake to cool off, birders come for the shoreline habitat near Grousehaven Lake, and anglers report catching plenty of fish despite the modest size. You'll need a Michigan Recreation Passport to use the DNR launch. If you're looking for a peaceful spot without the crowds of the bigger Ogemaw County lakes, George Lake delivers.

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