The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Manistee Lake
Kalkaska County, Michigan · about 820 acres (1.3 sq mi)
43°F water, calm this afternoon.
About Manistee Lake
Manistee Lake spreads over about 820 acres in Kalkaska County, Michigan.
It stretches about 1.9 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 5.2 miles. The water sits about 1,190 ft above sea level. Mancelona lies about 7.4 miles to the north.
- Size
- About 820 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 5.2 miles
- End to end
- About 1.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,190 ft
- County
- Kalkaska County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Michigan, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 43°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:34 am · sunset 5:13 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Manistee Lake
- Mancelonaabout 7.4 mi north
- Kalkaskaabout 7.5 mi southwest
- Rapid Cityabout 13 mi west
- Bellaireabout 16 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Manistee Lake
What fish are in Manistee Lake?
Lakes like Manistee Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Manistee Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Manistee Lake?
About 820 acres, with about 5.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Manistee Lake?
Mancelona is about 7.4 miles north; Kalkaska is about 7.5 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Manistee Lake today?
The surface was about 43°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Manistee Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
