Between Kalamazoo And Battle Creek Is A Michigan Lake With Clear Waters To Scuba Dive, Fish, And Sail

It's easy to overlook Michigan's smaller bodies of water when four Great Lakes steal the spotlight. But if you look past the big names, you'll come across other lakes that just might surprise you with what they offer. Southwest Michigan's Gull Lake is a great example of this. Spanning 2,030 acres, it has crystal-clear waters, with visibility often extending beyond 60 feet deep. The glacial lake stays remarkably clear because it's constantly fed by underground springs. As one visitor put it: "There's a pretty big debate about what is the most beautiful inland lake in Michigan. I notice Gull Lake doesn't get on the list, and you know why? We want this to be the best-kept secret."

With a vibrant summer recreation scene, Gull Lake provides plenty of water-based activities. For starters, the clear water makes it a premier inland scuba diving spot, dotted with underwater attractions. When you're not submerged beneath the surface, you might be gliding across it. You can try water sports like wakeboarding and jet skiing. Gull Lake has a strong sailing community, too, with active local clubs, weekly races, and instruction programs. In fact, the Gull Lake Yacht Club has a century-long history of hosting sailing events and races right on these waters.

As for angling enthusiasts, Gull Lake is home to over 15 reported species, so you can cast a line to see what kind of trout or bass will take the bait. Whether you prefer fishing from a dock or a boat, you'll have options. Gull Lake is situated between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, both of which are half an hour away. Grand Rapids isn't too far, either — the drive takes just one hour.

Visitors are in for some top-notch fishing at Gull Lake, described by a previous angler as "very clean, clear, and cool." As public access to the lake is heavily restricted, make your way to Prairieville Township Park to launch a boat or use a fishing dock. The lake is brimming with a variety of fish, including rock, black, largemouth, and smallmouth bass. For the best results, use a medium-to-medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod. Plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs work well for standard bass fishing. For smallmouth, try tubes and drop-shot rigs near rocky areas and cooler waters.

Gull Lake also holds several trout species, including brown, rainbow, splake, and lake trout. For a better chance of landing rainbow and lake trout, take your boat into deeper water. Fall fishing might have you casting a line in the lake's shallow spots. Like bass, trout are best caught with a medium-to-medium-heavy spinning rod.

You can also fish for northern pike in Gull Lake, even though they're predominantly transients from surrounding tributaries. To improve your chances, try large spoons, inline spinners, and crankbaits (according to OnWater). Yellow perch, on the other hand, can be unpredictable. Their numbers swing between population booms and major busts. The species above are only a sampling of what you might reel in. Other common catches include pumpkinseed, common carp, black crappie, and Atlantic salmon. Green and bluegill sunfish are present in the waters, as are white suckers and longnose gar. For more angling adventures, head to Charles Mears State Park, which has a fishing pier and acres of beachside camping.

Thanks to the abundance of fish species, angling can be the sole reason for your trip — but you might miss out on other fun water-based recreation. If you want to explore beneath the surface, read some beginner guides to scuba diving before trying it at Gull Lake. While the clear water provides good visibility, the underwater sites are what turn it into a real adventure. As one Google Maps reviewer said: "Because of these clear waters, you will often see scuba divers here diving to see the many artifacts that have been purposefully placed at the bottom of the lake." As you explore its depths, you'll encounter items like a lifeboat, a phone booth, and even train wheels. Don't be surprised if you spot a motorcycle or swing set down there.

Visitors might notice lots of sailboats on Gull Lake. The sailing community is supported by established organizations, such as the Gull Lake Yacht Club and Gull Lake Sailing Club. Dating back to 1926, the Gull Lake Yacht Club hosts classes and major regattas while supporting the Western Michigan University Sailing Club. Meanwhile, the newer Gull Lake Sailing Club offers weekly races and annual championships. You can try sailing yourself by renting a boat from Gull Lake Marine.

Besides sailing, you can enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard a pontoon or tritoon boat. For more excitement, try water skiing, jet skiing, or wakesurfing. Those who prefer non-motorized watercraft can rent a kayak. Even the simplest activities can be enjoyable here; just admire the clear waters and take in the scenery. There are other gems worth discovering in southwest Michigan — a little over an hour away is Holland, an underrated town with scenic beauty and Dutch charm.