Fishing in Grand Traverse County, Michigan

What this local map set contains

The Grand Traverse County directory currently covers 22 lakes or reservoirs, 1 river. 22 charts use measured bathymetry from a published source; 1 chart is clearly labeled as modeled. Recorded maximum depths range from 6 to 603 ft, with a median of 39 ft. Those figures describe each chart's deepest recorded or modeled point, not a safe navigation depth.

Species records are attached to 23 of 23 waters. The most frequently cataloged targets are Smallmouth Bass (22), Yellow Perch (22), Bluegill (21), Largemouth Bass (21) and Northern Pike (14). These are coverage counts, not abundance estimates or catch forecasts; open the individual map to see the evidence and seasonal context attached to that water.

Three useful maps to compare first

1. Truax Lake: 30 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 20 cataloged target species.
2. Cedar Lake: 50 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 17 cataloged target species.
3. Bellows Lake: 50 ft maximum; survey-backed contours; 15 cataloged target species.

Start with a survey-backed chart when exact contour shape matters most. Use a modeled chart as broad planning context, then verify depths on the water. Comparing the three examples above also shows whether this area offers one dominant basin type or genuinely different shallow, deep, lake and river options. Access is separate from map coverage: confirm launches, shore rights, closures and posted rules before making the trip.