| Date | Species | Number | Avg. Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/28/2022 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 63,309 | 1.46" |
| 6/25/2025 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 24,704 | 2.36" |
| 6/25/2025 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 36,594 | 2.18" |
| 4/1/2021 | Muskellunge (Northern) | 15 | 35" |
| 10/24/2022 | Muskellunge (Great Lakes) | 2,879 | 9.06" |
Lake Margrethe's outflow is Portage Creek, which reflects the lake's original name — Portage Lake. The lake sits in Crawford County's Au Sable River watershed, near the headwaters of one of Michigan's most famous trout streams. The Manistee River also runs through the Grayling area nearby.
Lake Margrethe freezes reliably in winter — the large shallow areas in the northern end ice up early and the 36-foot average depth supports solid ice formation. Walleye, pike, and perch are popular ice fishing targets. As always, check local ice conditions before venturing out, especially over the deeper southern bay.
How big is Lake Margrethe?
What fish are in Lake Margrethe?
Is there a boat launch on Lake Margrethe?
Can you swim in Lake Margrethe?
What is the PFAS contamination situation at Lake Margrethe?
Is there camping at Lake Margrethe?
Where is Lake Margrethe?
Can you ice fish on Lake Margrethe?
Why is part of Lake Margrethe owned by the military?
Lake Margrethe covers 1,920 acres just south of Grayling in Crawford County — formerly called Portage Lake, it was renamed after the wife of lumber baron Rasmus Hanson, who also founded the Grayling Fish Hatchery and donated the land that became Camp Grayling. The lake has a distinctive depth profile: the northern end near M-72 is notably shallow, the western bay pushes past 40 feet, and a single hole in the southern bay reaches a max depth of 65 feet. Average depth is 36 feet. That mix of shallow flats and deeper structure supports a solid fishery — walleye, northern pike, tiger muskie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and rock bass. Multiple reviewers call it one of northern Michigan's best walleye lakes.
The water clarity here gets mentioned constantly — crystal clear, with fish visible from the surface. The Lake Margrethe State Forest Campground on the northwest corner is a genuinely excellent rustic campground with walk-in sites right on the water, spacious and well-shaded. It's first-come, first-served and fills fast. A significant portion of the lake's western and southern shoreline falls within Camp Grayling, Michigan's massive military training facility — you'll hear the gun range, and the west side has no homes or cabins, which keeps it peaceful and undeveloped. That military presence comes with a caveat: PFAS contamination from the base is a known issue. Signs at the campground note potential contamination while stating swimming is still considered safe, but you should be aware of it. Portage Creek is the lake's outflow.