Best Lakes for Fishing Near Grand Rapids
Michigan
16 fishing lakes within driving distance of Grand Rapids, Michigan, ranked by water quality and fishing-specific filters. Filtered for documented fish species (3+) and public access. Ranked by water quality and species diversity.
A moderate cluster of 16 measured lakes lies within reach of Grand Rapids. Emerald Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings of the set.
Filtered for fishing, the nearby-lake list narrows further. fishing-specific signals, fish species, public access, depth profile, motor-boat congestion, interact with the water-quality readings in different ways depending on the use case.
| # | Lake | County | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emerald Lake | Kent | 4.6 mi | 11.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Murray Lake | Kent | 15.6 mi | 9 ft | - |
| 3 | Whitefish Lake | Montcalm | 25.8 mi | 13.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Muskellunge Lake | Kent | 27.1 mi | 13.5 ft | - |
| 5 | Derby Lake | Montcalm | 34.6 mi | 14 ft | 87 ft |
| 6 | Duck Lake | Muskegon | 45 mi | 11 ft | - |
| 7 | Green Lake | Allegan | 15.1 mi | 8 ft | 60 ft |
| 8 | Round Lake | Kent | 16.2 mi | 8 ft | - |
| 9 | Scram Lake | Kent | 19 mi | 12.5 ft | 85 ft |
| 10 | Barlow Lake | Barry | 21.6 mi | 11 ft | 60 ft |
| 11 | Carter Lake | Barry | 27.2 mi | 4 ft | 20 ft |
| 12 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | 27.7 mi | 10.8 ft | 28 ft |
| 13 | Muskellunge Lake | Montcalm | 29.3 mi | 11 ft | 37 ft |
| 14 | Lake Macatawa | Ottawa | 29.3 mi | 3 ft | 40 ft |
| 15 | Jordan Lake | Barry | 29.8 mi | 7.5 ft | - |
| 16 | Brooks Lake | Newaygo | 30.5 mi | - | - |
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.