HomeMichiganClare County

Eight Point Lake

Clare County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Eight Point Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Eight Point Lake
Eight Point Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 22 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Fish Species
Black crappie Walleye
DNR Fish Stocking History
Walleye 77,904 stocked
Black crappie 4,880 stocked
Recent Stocking Events (2020–2025)
Date Species Number Avg. Size
7/5/2023 Walleye (Muskegon) 21,118 1.97"
6/18/2025 Walleye (Muskegon) 19,564 1.97"
6/16/2021 Walleye (Muskegon) 31,722 1.58"
11/1/2022 Walleye 2,000 6.5"
11/1/2022 Black crappie 2,200 3.5"
10/30/2024 Black crappie 680 5"
10/30/2024 Walleye 1,750 6.5"
10/23/2020 Walleye 1,750 6.5"
10/23/2020 Black crappie 2,000 3.5"
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database · Search all stocking records →
Connected Waterways

Eight Point Lake is located in the central Michigan lowlands of Clare County. Crooked Lake is nearby with its own resort and bait shop, suggesting the two lakes are in the same general watershed area.

Winter & Ice Safety

Eight Point Lake freezes reliably in winter and sees regular ice fishing activity. Anglers report catching sunfish, crappie, perch, and bass through the ice. As always, check current ice thickness before heading out — low water levels in recent years may affect freeze patterns near shore.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Eight Point Lake?
Eight Point Lake holds bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, and bass. Fishing is generally better in winter through the ice than in summer — summer anglers mostly report small bluegill. Ice anglers have caught sunfish, crappie, perch, and bass.
Is there a public boat launch on Eight Point Lake?
Yes, there's one DNR public boat launch with a dock, bathroom facilities, and paved ramp. It's well-maintained and highly rated (4.8 stars), but with only one lane it gets congested on busy summer days. Some boaters wish it had dual-side access.
Is Eight Point Lake good for swimming?
Yes. The water is clean and the lake has a popular sandbar area that's a favorite gathering spot for families with kids. Several beach access points exist around the lake as well.
Can you ice fish on Eight Point Lake?
Yes, and winter is actually when the fishing is best here. Ice anglers report catching sunfish, crappie, perch, and bass. The lake freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter.
What is the sandbar on Eight Point Lake?
Eight Point Lake has a well-known sandbar that's become the lake's social hub in summer. Families anchor pontoon boats there, kids play in the shallow water, and adults hang out. It's one of the lake's main attractions.
Are there campgrounds near Eight Point Lake?
Yes, several options nearby including Mud Lake State Forest Campground, Michigan Eagle Family Recreation Center (MEFRC), Merrill-Gorrel County Park, and Camp Neyati. The state forest campground is the most rustic option.
Is Eight Point Lake good for kayaking?
Yes. The lake is a comfortable size for a day paddle, and the public launch works well for kayak access. The shoreline is mostly cottages with clean water — reviewers specifically recommend it for kayaking.
Where is Eight Point Lake?
Eight Point Lake is in Clare County in central Michigan. It has a quiet, small-town atmosphere and is a popular "up north" destination for families from southern Michigan.
Is Eight Point Lake water level low?
As of spring 2025, multiple visitors have noted that lake levels are very low. Use caution when launching and be aware of shallow areas that may be shallower than expected.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Eight Point Lake is a well-loved all-sports lake in Clare County that draws a loyal cottage crowd — some families have been coming here since the 1950s. The lake has a single DNR launch that reviewers consistently rate highly (4.8 stars), though the one-lane ramp creates bottlenecks on busy summer weekends. The lake features a popular sandbar that's become the social hub for pontoon boats and families, and the water is generally clean and clear. Lake levels have been notably low in recent years, so use caution when launching.

Fishing here is honest-to-middling — don't expect trophy catches. Summer anglers report mostly small bluegill, and multiple reviews suggest the lake fishes better through the ice. Winter produces sunfish, crappie, perch, and bass. The surrounding area has a quiet, small-town feel with a clubhouse that hosts summer concerts and fireworks. Kayakers will find the lake a pleasant day paddle, and the shoreline is dotted with cottages rather than commercial development. Nearby campgrounds include Mud Lake State Forest Campground and the Michigan Eagle Family Recreation Center.

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