Cass Lake, located in Waterford and West Bloomfield Townships in Oakland County, is the largest inland lake in Metro Detroit and one of the most sought-after for all-sports recreation, boating, and luxury living. At 1,280 acres with a maximum depth of about 123 feet, this lake attracts everyone from weekend boaters to year-round residents who crave that classic Michigan lake life within 40 minutes of Detroit.
Cass Lake, Michigan
| Column | Entry |
|---|---|
| Lake Name | Cass Lake |
| Alternate Names | — |
| County | Oakland |
| Township/City/Village | Waterford & West Bloomfield |
| Region | Southeast Michigan |
| Watershed/HUC | Clinton River Watershed |
| Latitude | 42.6283 |
| Longitude | -83.3735 |
| Acres | 1,280 |
| Max Depth (ft) | 123 |
| Mean/Median Depth (ft) | 26 |
| Shoreline Length (mi) | 11.3 |
| Elevation (ft) | 932 |
| Public or Private | Public |
| Public Access (Y/N) | Y |
| Launch Type | Paved DNR launch |
| Parking | 80+ stalls |
| Restrooms (Y/N) | Y |
| Motor Rules | All-sports, no restrictions |
| Wake Surf/Ski Suitability | Excellent |
| Paddleboard/Kayak Friendliness | Good on weekdays and canals |
| Typical Water Clarity (Secchi ft) | 10–15 |
| Trophic State | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive Species Present | Eurasian milfoil, zebra mussels |
| Weed Treatment Vendor/Schedule Link | Managed by township-approved vendors |
| Annual/Seasonal Drawdown | N |
| Fish Species (common) | Walleye, bass, pike, musky, panfish |
| Fish Stocking History URL (DNR) | Michigan DNR Stocking Records |
| Fishing Pressure | High |
| Water Quality Report URL (EGLE/County) | Michigan EGLE Water Quality Reports |
| Bathymetric Map URL (DNR) | Cass Lake Depth Map |
| USGS Gauge/Level URL | — |
| Flood Risk (FEMA Map URL) | FEMA Flood Map Service Center |
| Lake Association/HOA Name | Cass Lake Improvement Association |
| Association URL/Contact | casslake.org |
| Short-Term Rentals Allowed? | Township-specific |
| Zoning Ordinance URL | Waterford Township Zoning |
| School District(s) | Waterford & West Bloomfield |
| Michigan Property Tax Estimator URL | Michigan Property Tax Estimator |
| Lake Lifestyle Description | Social, high-energy, all-sports |
| Weekday vs Weekend Activity Level | Calm weekdays, busy weekends |
| Boat Traffic Level | High (summer weekends) |
| Noise Level | Moderate to high near sandbar |
| Wind Exposure / Shoreline Orientation | Varied; open west/east exposure |
| Sunrise vs Sunset Views | Both, depending on shore |
| Winter Activities | Ice fishing, skating |
| Safety Notes | Deep basins, variable ice thickness |
| Commute: Nearest Major City | 40 min to Detroit |
| Closest Hospital | Henry Ford West Bloomfield (~12 min) |
| Closest Grocery | Meijer, Kroger (within 10 min) |
| Things To Do Nearby | Dodge #4 State Park, golf, Milford, shopping |
| Historical or Cultural Notes | Longtime Metro Detroit recreation hub |
| Annual Lake Events | Fireworks, sandbar parties, poker runs |
| Best For | Boaters, wakeboarders, families |
Cass Lake Fast Facts
- Location: Waterford & West Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan
- Size: ~1,280 acres
- Max Depth: ~123 ft
- Average Depth: ~26 ft
- Public or Private: Public (state-managed)
- Public Access: DNR Launch off Cass-Elizabeth Rd (paved ramp, 80+ parking spaces, restrooms)
- Connected Lakes: Otter, Sylvan, and portions of Loon Lake via canals
- Motor Rules: Full all-sports lake, no restrictions
- Water Clarity: Typically 10–15 ft (Secchi depth)
- Fish Species: Walleye, smallmouth & largemouth bass, northern pike, panfish, muskellunge
- Trophic State: Mesotrophic (balanced clarity and nutrients)
- Public Launch: Managed by Michigan DNR — paved, with restroom facilities
Lake Lifestyle
Cass Lake buzzes with energy all summer long. Expect busy weekends filled with wakeboarders, pontoons, and families cruising the shoreline. Weekdays are calm and ideal for paddleboarding or fishing. The Cass Lake Sandbar is a social hub where boats gather to anchor and relax — a true Michigan summer tradition.
Homes around Cass Lake range from modest mid-century cottages to multimillion-dollar lake estates with docks, seawalls, and outdoor kitchens. Most waterfronts have sandy bottoms and open views, while canal homes offer privacy and calmer water for kayaking.
Fishing & Recreation
The DNR routinely stocks Cass Lake with walleye and muskellunge, maintaining excellent multi-species fishing year-round. Ice fishing is popular for perch and panfish once the lake freezes solid (use caution near deeper areas). The deep basin also supports smallmouth bass and trout-like species uncommon in other southeast Michigan lakes.
Credit: https://casslakelife.com/
Water Quality & Ecology
Cass Lake has above-average water clarity and moderate nutrient levels. It’s periodically monitored by the Michigan EGLE Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, and you can view the latest EGLE Water Quality Report for Cass Lake for data on clarity, phosphorus, and invasive species updates.
Invasives present: Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels (managed through periodic weed treatments).
For bathymetric maps, visit the Michigan DNR Lake Map and search “Cass Lake.”
Living on Cass Lake
Real estate around Cass Lake ranges from cozy year-round homes on narrow lots to luxury waterfront estates exceeding 5,000 sq. ft. Because home values fluctuate with market conditions, use this IDX search link for active Cass Lake listings to explore current homes available — it updates in real time.
For estimating property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator:
- Choose Oakland County
- Select Waterford or West Bloomfield School District
- Enter the home price or taxable value (~half of market value)
This gives you the most accurate and up-to-date property tax estimate based on your exact situation.
Nearby Conveniences
- Commute: ~40 min to Detroit, 25 min to Birmingham
- Nearest Hospital: Henry Ford West Bloomfield (~12 min)
- Groceries: Meijer, Kroger, and local markets within 10 minutes
- Restaurants: CJ’s Upper Deck, The Lodge Grill & Bar, The Waterfront
- Things To Do Nearby: Dodge #4 State Park (beach access), Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, downtown Milford, and numerous golf courses.
Events & Local Vibe
Cass Lake hosts annual fireworks, sandbar gatherings, and poker runs, giving it a vibrant, community-driven energy in the summer. Winters are quieter — perfect for scenic walks, snowmobiling on frozen coves, and ice fishing.
Pros
- Largest inland lake in Metro Detroit
- Full all-sports access
- Deep, clear water and great fishing
- Close to major highways and amenities
- Mix of luxury and mid-range housing options
Cons
- Very busy on weekends/holidays
- Limited public beach access
- Noise and boat traffic near sandbar areas
- Zebra mussels and invasive weeds require monitoring
Best For
Boaters, wake surfers, and families who love a lively, social lake scene close to the city.
FAQs
- Is Cass Lake public or private?
Cass Lake is a public, all-sports lake managed by the Michigan DNR. - Can you wake surf or water-ski on Cass Lake?
Yes — it’s a full all-sports lake with no horsepower restrictions. - Is Cass Lake good for fishing?
Absolutely. It’s stocked with walleye and musky, and locals report excellent bass and pike action. - Are short-term rentals allowed?
Depends on township zoning — check Waterford or West Bloomfield ordinances before listing or buying for Airbnb. - How’s winter life on Cass Lake?
Ice fishing, skating, and quiet relaxation make it a four-season lake.
Thinking About Buying on Cass Lake?
If Cass Lake sounds like your kind of Michigan lake life, I’d love to help you explore homes around it.
See active Cass Lake homes for sale or contact me — I help people move to, from, and within Michigan every day.
