HomeMichiganPresque Isle County

Lake May

Presque Isle County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
163.5 acres22 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lake May Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake May
Lake May Boat Launch
Hoeft State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Specific inflow and outflow information for Lake May isn't well documented. It sits within the watershed systems of Presque Isle County in northeast Lower Michigan.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small lake in Presque Isle County, Lake May likely freezes reliably in winter. No reviews mention ice fishing specifically, and given the modest fishing reports in summer, it's probably not a popular ice fishing destination.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Lake May?
Lake May doesn't appear to be a strong fishery. Reviews mention catching small northern pike, but nobody raves about the fishing here. It's more of a swimming and wildlife-watching lake than a fishing destination.
Can you swim in Lake May?
Yes — reviewers call it their 'favorite little swimming hole.' The small, quiet nature of the lake makes it a good spot for casual swimming without heavy boat traffic.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake May?
There's one public launch on Lake May. It's well-reviewed at 4.8 stars. Given the lake's small size, expect it to be a simple, no-frills access point suited for small boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Where is Lake May in Michigan?
Lake May is in Presque Isle County in the northeast Lower Peninsula, part of Michigan's more remote and heavily forested lake country.
What wildlife can you see at Lake May?
Reviewers consistently mention an impressive variety of wildlife: loons, bears, bobcats, owls, foxes, turtles, and frogs. The low development and surrounding forest make it a genuine wildlife corridor — not the kind of lake where you might see a deer, but the kind where bear sightings are routine.
Is Lake May crowded?
No. Lake May is small and off the beaten path in Presque Isle County. Reviews suggest very low boat traffic and a peaceful atmosphere. The loons outnumber the people most days.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake May is a small, quiet lake tucked into Presque Isle County — the kind of place where loons have the right of way and wildlife sightings outnumber boat encounters. Reviewers consistently mention bears, bobcats, foxes, owls, and turtles, which tells you something about the surrounding habitat and the low human traffic. There's one public launch, and the lake carries a strong 4.8 rating from folks who clearly value the solitude over trophy fishing.

Don't come here expecting big catches — one reviewer summed up the fishing as "only caught a baby pike" — but the swimming is well-liked, and the lake reads as a classic Up North hideaway where families return year after year. Multiple reviews mention childhood summers spent here with real nostalgia. It's not a destination lake for anglers or watersports crowds, but if you want a peaceful swim, a paddle among loons, and a decent chance of spotting a bear from your dock, Lake May delivers.

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