Need a lake

[slsail]

I have a buudy ask me wherre to fish.
This is the Citeria.
1. Within Michigan 2-3 hours from Detroit
2. State Park - place to camp
3. boat rental
4. Good bass fishing

[djkimmel]

Shoot! I think the boat rental concession at Lake Ovid has closed down. There's a couple pontoons there, but I don't know how you rent or reserve them, or even if that is possible. You could call the park office at 517-651-6217 and ask. Probably have to leave a message.

Bay City State Park is a possibility. Bad weather can limit you, but there are rivers to fish. I have to believe you can rent boats at some of the marinas along the bay, but I don't know which ones for sure.

Muskegon State Park - don't know if boat rentals are available nearby? Same with Big Seven or Hudson?

Got to be a bunch of options for other campgrounds.

[blakstr1]

try Houghton or Higgins Lake, even Cadillac/Mitchell..that would be to the extreme limit of 2-3 hours, more like 3-4..BUT it would be a lot of fun and some potential great fishing.

[Dan]

I concur with blakestr1. Cadillac and Mitchell have a nice state park and the fishing there is multispecies. Good smallies, largemouth, lots of pike and walleyes. You're right there in town so the wives and kids have lots to do. Good places to eat as well. Another option is Hamlin Lake in Ludington. They have a state park and I'm almost certain they rent boats. One of the best fishing lakes around and again multispecies. Ludington also has lots to do and you are only 30 minutes away from the casino there if you are so inclined. Ludington State Park is on Lake Michigan and also has a sheltered access to Hamlin off Lost Lake. I have seen boats on the shoreline there that look to be rentals.
The boat rental is the sticky wicket, but Cadillac and Mitchell/Ludington State Park are very nice state parks with lots of things to do.

[AnglingAxeMan]

I'm not sure the exact location (my map book blew out of the boat) but it's called Murffy Lake it's a smaller lake but plenty of Largemouth. There is a small island on the lake that is a first to set up come kind of place can stay. There is a small marina on the south side of the lake they have smaller boat rentals becuase you have to go through a colvert to accsess the main lake. It's about a 2 hour ride from downriver. It's in the mid part of the thumb.