Gun Lake has been essentially my "home" lake forever, literally, and now figuratively. I have Gun Lake to thank for my love of boating.
Today we spent the day on the lake with friends. We launched the boat last night after we left Gull Lake. We were able to leave the boat overnight at the family dock.
Today we spent the day palying in the water with the kids and friends. We pulled a few people on a tube and just enjoyed the summer day.
In describing the lake, it is hard for me to decide where to begin. The lake has so much to offer. There is plenty of space to do just about anything. The lake covers nearly 2700 acres. The water depth varies significantly. The lake is split into a west side and an east side by a shallow narrows that stretches from Murphy's Point (State Park) over to England's Point. The majority of the west side of the lake is less than 10' deep. However, Robins Bay at the north west corner of the lake is over 30'. Over on the east side of the lake there are several locations that are 40'+. The deepest spot is around 65-70'. There are many places that you need to be very careful about so as not damage a prop or worse. You need to pay particular attention in the narrow areas between the islands and the points they are closest to.
Gun Lake is fed by the Gun River and the outflow of the river and the lake level is regulated by a small 5' dam that was built a long time ago. This dam brought the lake level up to a usable level and continues to maintain this level. The lake is also connected to Payne Lake and Long Lake, though it is not possible to get to these other lakes with a typical boat.
Gun Lake lies mostly in Barry County. However, there is a small portion of the south west corner that is in Allegan County.
The lake hosts a large State Park that offers a couple of beach areas a very nice boat ramp and a very nice campground. Yankee Springs Recreation Area is a huge park with many different units in the area to the north and east of the lake.
Aside from the State Park there is an Allegan County Park that has a nice boat ramp and enough parking to accomodate plenty of a boat trailers. This park also offers a playground area and a small beach area. The launch requires a $5 fee (annual passes are available for $25) The launch is a 2 lane with a single dock in the middle. The parking and prep areas on actually accross the street. Be sure to follow the signs to guide you from step 1 prep-launch.
There are total of 3 launch ramps available to the public. Two of them are located in the State Park. The main ramp is in the day use area of the park and is a very nice 4 lane ramp with two docks. There is ample parking near the ramp. To access this ramp will require a DNR issued motor vehicle permit. ($6 daily, $24 annual) The other ramp in the State Park is in the campground. If you are camping this is a handy place to launch as it is nice and close...it is not intended to be used by those that are not camping.
There are several prominant islands on the lake. The most well known, Orangeville Island (also know as Party Island), is a privately owned island that had historically been a place to congregrate and "party". At this time the owners have asked that people no longer use the island due to litter and other damage to the property. This island did have a home on it at one point. It burned many years ago. The foundation of the home can still be seen.
Although the island was always a favorite place to go, there are many other locations on the lake that offer a nice place to anchor and spend time in the water. Along the northern shore where the State Park campground beach is located is a nice shallow area that is good for the kids. There are also other beach areas on either side of the State Park point that offer a nice place to be in the water.
The lake is a good destination for out of town visitors. There are several "resorts" that offer rentals and many cottages are available for rent also. The campground is also an obvious destination for visitors. Bay Point Inn offers a hotel, resturant and various other services. It is located in the south eastern portion of the lake. There are also several seasonal "trailer parks" on the lake that have served many families over the years as a place to get away.
Many of the homes on the lake are now year round residences, yet there are still many seasonal cottages also.
The lake is a very nice location and offers something for everyone.
Google Maps: Gun Lake
Sunday, May 30, 2010
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Hi. We are specifically interested in the depth of the canal between Joy Road and W. Blue Lagoon Road. We'd love to get a place on Joy Road, but aren't sure our boat will make it in there!!! Help!
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