Arbutus Creek feeds into the lake, and the outflow passes through a small dam before joining a tributary of the Boardman River — one of northern Michigan's premier trout streams that flows west into Grand Traverse Bay. The lake sits squarely in the Boardman River watershed.
With a max depth of 44 feet and an average of 23 feet, Arbutus Lake freezes reliably for ice fishing. Yellow perch are the primary winter target. Always check current ice conditions — clarity can make ice thickness hard to judge visually.
How big is Arbutus Lake?
What fish are in Arbutus Lake?
Is there a boat launch on Arbutus Lake?
Are there campgrounds on Arbutus Lake?
Can you swim in Arbutus Lake?
Is Arbutus Lake a no-wake lake?
Can you ice fish on Arbutus Lake?
Where is Arbutus Lake?
What is the dam behind Arbutus Lake?
Arbutus Lake is a 395-acre gem tucked into Grand Traverse County's state forest land — crystal-clear water, 44 feet at its deepest, with an average depth of about 23 feet. It feeds into a tributary of the Boardman River, one of the Traverse City area's most celebrated trout streams. The lake has no-wake zone restrictions (hours posted at the launch), which keeps it quieter than the bigger lakes in the region and preserves the water clarity reviewers rave about. Largemouth bass and perch are the headline catches — locals report trophy-class largemouth in summer and solid perch through the ice in winter.
YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha occupies the northeastern shore, giving the lake a summer-camp character that's been part of the landscape for decades. The Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground sits right on the water, and there's a small day-use park on East Arbutus Lake Road with picnic tables, a playground, and sunset-facing benches. A dam on the outflow side is worth a short hike — reviewers mention small waterfalls and interesting debris. The settlement of Forest Lakes is nearby, and downtown Traverse City is a short drive west, making this a legitimate escape that's still close to restaurants and supplies.