| Date | Species | Number | Avg. Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8/2022 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 52,699 | 1" |
| 6/20/2024 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 72,065 | 1.6" |
| 4/26/2024 | Walleye (Muskegon) | 200,000 | 0.01" |
Lake Cadillac connects to Lake Mitchell via the Clam Lake Canal, making the two lakes effectively one system. Water flows out through the Clam River, which is part of the Muskegon River watershed — one of Michigan's major river systems draining to Lake Michigan.
Lake Cadillac freezes reliably thanks to its shallow 28-foot max depth. Reviewers report 12+ inches of ice in a typical season, and the lake sees consistent ice fishing traffic for pike, walleye, and panfish. Wind exposure is significant — dress for it and check conditions, as gusts can be brutal on the open ice.
How big is Lake Cadillac?
What fish are in Lake Cadillac?
Is Lake Cadillac connected to Lake Mitchell?
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Cadillac?
Can you swim in Lake Cadillac?
Are there campgrounds near Lake Cadillac?
Can you ice fish on Lake Cadillac?
Where is Lake Cadillac?
Is there a fee to launch a boat on Lake Cadillac?
What is there to do around Lake Cadillac besides fishing?
Lake Cadillac is a 1,150-acre kettle lake sitting right inside the city of Cadillac — one of the few sizable Michigan lakes completely surrounded by a city. It's shallow (28 feet max, under 12 feet average) with a warm, productive profile that makes it a strong bass and pike fishery. The lake connects to neighboring Lake Mitchell via the Clam Lake Canal, and water flows out through the Clam River into the broader Muskegon River watershed. That canal connection effectively makes Cadillac and Mitchell a two-lake system, which is why kayak bass tournaments run on both lakes together.
The in-town location means you've got walkways, parks, playgrounds, beaches, and restaurants right on the water — it's as much a city park as a fishing lake. William Mitchell State Park sits on the isthmus between the two lakes with camping and beach access. Two public launches serve Lake Cadillac, both well-reviewed with good parking and docks, though the water near shore can run shallow. Winters are active here — the shallow depth means reliable ice, and the lake sees solid ice fishing for pike, walleye, and panfish. Expect wind on both the ice and the open water; it funnels across the flat terrain with real force.