Every Boat Ramp on Black Lake

About Black Lake

Black Lake is a 10,130-acre lake straddling Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties in the northern Lower Peninsula. Known for its dark-stained water and excellent walleye fishing, the lake sits apart from the more heavily visited Inland Waterway lakes, offering a quieter boating and fishing experience. The lake's fertile waters and moderate depth of 50 feet create ideal walleye habitat, and the fishery is carefully managed by the Michigan DNR.

Walleye are the main draw at Black Lake, with spring runs from the upper Black River providing some of the best walleye fishing in northern Michigan. Northern pike reach impressive sizes in the lake's extensive weed beds, and smallmouth bass offer quality fishing along the rocky eastern shoreline. The lake is also home to the rare lake sturgeon, a prehistoric species that spawns in the Black River each spring and is the subject of ongoing conservation efforts.

Public boat access is available at several points around the lake, including a popular launch at the south end near the village of Onaway. The surrounding area remains relatively undeveloped compared to many Michigan resort lakes, appealing to boaters and anglers who prefer a more natural setting. Onaway State Park on the lake's northwest shore provides camping and additional access.

Nearest towns: Onaway, Cheboygan, Tower