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Belleville Lake

Wayne County, Michigan Fresh water Connected Water
30 ft deep2 launchesRec Passport required
Belleville Lake Access Map 2 launches
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Belleville Lake
Belleville Lake East Boat Launch
Maybury State Park · Paved ramp, 4 lanes, 124 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Belleville Lake West Boat Launch
Maybury State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 37 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Belleville Lake is an impoundment of the Huron River, created by the French Landing Dam in 1925. The Huron River flows in from the west (from Washtenaw County) and continues downstream to the east through Wayne County, eventually emptying into Lake Erie. The lake is essentially a wide spot in the river, so there is constant flow-through.

Winter & Ice Safety

Belleville Lake's shallow depth (max 30 feet) means it generally freezes well in winter, supporting ice fishing for panfish and perch. However, because it's a Huron River impoundment, current near the dam and river channel can create thin or unsafe ice — always check conditions carefully in those areas.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Belleville Lake?
Belleville Lake covers roughly 1,200 acres and has a maximum depth of about 30 feet, though large sections are much shallower. It's a long, narrow reservoir — essentially a dammed section of the Huron River — created in 1925 by the French Landing Dam. Most of the lake is in Wayne County with a small sliver extending into Washtenaw County.
What fish are in Belleville Lake?
Belleville Lake holds crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, yellow perch, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Reviewers report good numbers across species but not a lot of trophy-sized fish. Bank fishing is productive from the docks and shoreline areas at the launch sites.
Is there a fee to launch a boat at Belleville Lake?
The public launches are free with a Michigan Recreation Passport on your vehicle registration. There are two launches on the lake. One has a single lane that handles both incoming and outgoing traffic, so weekends can get backed up — weekdays are much calmer.
Can you swim in Belleville Lake?
There is a beach at Van Buren Park, but multiple reviewers note the water looks murky or "dirty" and say they personally wouldn't swim in it. It's a shallow reservoir on the Huron River, so clarity isn't great. If you're just cooling off it's fine, but don't expect crystal-clear water.
Is Belleville Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — the lake is popular with kayakers, especially on weekday mornings when you can have the water nearly to yourself. You can paddle up the Huron River toward the French Landing Dam. On weekends, jet ski and powerboat traffic picks up considerably.
How shallow is Belleville Lake?
While the max depth is around 30 feet, large portions of the lake are very shallow with submerged logs and debris. The east side is particularly shallow — reviewers estimate 70% of that area is dangerously shallow for propeller-driven boats. Keep your depth finder on and go slow in unfamiliar areas. Multiple people have reported destroying props.
Where is Belleville Lake?
Belleville Lake is in Wayne County between Detroit and Ann Arbor, right along the I-94 corridor. The towns of Belleville, Van Buren Township, and Ypsilanti Township surround the lake. It's about 30 minutes west of downtown Detroit and 20 minutes east of Ann Arbor.
Are there campgrounds near Belleville Lake?
Several options nearby: Wayne County Fairgrounds & RV Park, Walnut Grove Campground, and the Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA Holiday are all within a short drive. Horizon Park and Van Buren Park are also close to the lake with day-use facilities.
Is there fuel available on Belleville Lake?
Yes — Sandy's Marina operates on the lake and there are reportedly fuel docks at a few locations. Reviewers note that on-water fuel is pricey, so filling up before you launch is recommended.
Can you ice fish on Belleville Lake?
With a max depth of 30 feet and much of the lake being shallower, Belleville Lake generally freezes reliably in winter. Ice fishing for panfish (crappie, bluegill, perch) is feasible. Always check current ice conditions before heading out, as the Huron River current flowing through can create thin spots.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Belleville Lake is a 1,200-acre artificial reservoir in Wayne County, created in 1925 when the French Landing Dam was built across the Huron River. It's a long, narrow impoundment — essentially a widened stretch of river — with a maximum depth of around 30 feet, though much of the lake is considerably shallower. That shallow profile is both a blessing and a hazard: it warms fast, produces good numbers of fish, but reviewers consistently warn about submerged logs, debris, and bottom that "comes up quickly" in places. Watch your depth finder, especially on the quieter east side where up to 70% of the water is very shallow.

For a lake sitting between Detroit and Ann Arbor in suburban Wayne County, Belleville punches above its weight as a recreation spot. You'll find crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, perch, and bass — not necessarily trophies, but solid numbers. Jet skis and pontoons dominate summer weekends, and there's a popular sandbar near the park where crowds gather. The two public launches are free with a Recreation Passport, though weekend traffic at the ramps can get hectic. Sandy's Marina offers fuel on the water. The towns of Belleville, Van Buren Township, and Ypsilanti Township line the shore, and I-94 runs close enough that road noise is noticeable in spots — this is very much a metro-area lake, not a wilderness escape.

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

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