Lake Dubonnet is part of the Platte River system. The Platte River flows into the lake and continues out the other side, eventually reaching Lake Michigan at Platte Bay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Platte River is one of Michigan's premier salmon and steelhead streams, so the lake sits in a significant watershed corridor.
As a reservoir, Lake Dubonnet likely freezes in winter, though ice thickness can vary — always check conditions before venturing out. The area is popular for hunting in late fall and winter, but specific ice fishing activity on the lake is not widely reported.
What fish are in Lake Dubonnet?
Is there a boat launch on Lake Dubonnet?
Is there a fee to launch at Lake Dubonnet?
Are there campgrounds on Lake Dubonnet?
Where is Lake Dubonnet?
Can you kayak or canoe on Lake Dubonnet?
Can you swim in Lake Dubonnet?
Are there hiking trails near Lake Dubonnet?
How was Lake Dubonnet formed?
Are there bears at Lake Dubonnet?
Lake Dubonnet is a reservoir in Grand Traverse County formed in 1956 when the Platte River was dammed, merging two smaller bodies known as Big Mud Lake and Little Mud Lake into one lake. It sits just a couple miles from Interlochen and is part of the Platte River system — the same river famous for its coho and steelhead runs downstream. The lake holds bass and pike, and the reviews consistently highlight it as a quiet, scenic spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing rather than a big-water powerboat destination.
The real draw here is the surrounding state forest infrastructure. The Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground gets rave reviews — massive, well-spaced rustic sites at $13/night, no reservations needed, with vault toilets, hand-pump water, and miles of hiking trails including the Lost Lake Trail. There's also a trail camp on the other side of the lake used by horseback riders and ORV groups (heads up: diesel rigs rolling in at 3 AM on trail ride weekends). The single boat launch has free parking but can get crowded by midday. Loons, beavers, and bears have all been spotted — this is a genuinely wild-feeling spot despite being minutes from Interlochen's restaurants and gas stations.