Thompson Lake Boat Launch

You need a City of Howell pass — not the Michigan Recreation Passport that works at most other launches. The signage just says 'seasonal pass or daily pass' without clarifying, and the booth attendant may or may not actually sell you one. Show up without the right pass and you're looking at a $30 fine. Sort it out before you go.

The ramp comes in at an odd angle and it's narrow — only one lane. If you're backing a wider boat, take your time lining it up. Prop wash has built up a shelf from people power-loading, so expect it to get shallow right at the end of the concrete.

Only 15 trailer spots, and on a nice summer weekend they're gone early. Worse, non-boaters park cars in trailer slots without passes, which eats into what little space there is. Get there by 7 AM on weekends or plan on a weekday trip.

Shallow water with tons of carp if you're into bowfishing, solid bass fishing, and some of the biggest northern pike you'll find in southern Michigan. Panfish are tougher to locate — don't come expecting easy bluegill limits.