West Bloomfield Township / Commerce Township – Oakland County
Located just west of the I-275 corridor in Metro Detroit, Lower Straits Lake sits at the southern end of the well-known Straits chain (Upper → Middle → Lower). It’s an all-sports lake with a private, low-traffic feel, upscale homes, and excellent water quality—making it a favorite for anyone seeking the balance of lake life and suburban convenience. Whether you’re browsing lake houses, exploring Michigan’s inland lake options, or comparing Oakland County lakes, Lower Straits Lake is one you’ll want to understand.
Lower Straits Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West Bloomfield Township & Commerce Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | ~236 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~22 feet |
| Lake Type | All-sports |
| Public Access | One public DNR ramp; otherwise primarily used by residents |
| Watershed | Huron River |
| Connected Lakes | Middle Straits Lake (via canal) |
| Bottom & Water Quality | Sand/marl bottom, good clarity |
| Vibe | Upscale, peaceful, low-traffic |
| Nearby Cities | West Bloomfield, Commerce, Walled Lake, Novi |
Lake Lifestyle
Lower Straits Lake is unique because it offers full all-sports capabilities—boating, tubing, wakeboarding, pontooning—while maintaining a quieter atmosphere thanks to no public boat launch. This gives residents a clean, calm lake that’s perfect for both recreation and relaxation. Early-morning paddleboarding, smooth-water skiing, fishing for bass and pike, and slow evening pontoon cruises are popular here. The canal connection to Middle Straits gives boaters additional water to explore within the same neighborhood ecosystem.
Real Estate Around Lower Straits Lake
Homes around Lower Straits include beautifully updated ranches, mid-century colonials, custom rebuilds, and luxury lakefront estates. Property values remain strong because:
- Low boat traffic = better water quality and shoreline preservation
- Limited inventory keeps demand high
- Private lake = higher long-term stability
- Upscale surrounding neighborhoods boost desirability
Buyers get the advantage of choosing between Commerce Township (often slightly lower taxes) and West Bloomfield (prestige, amenities, and strong community presence).
Looking for homes for sale on or around Lower straits lake? Click HERE
Schools Serving Lower Straits Lake
School district placement depends on which side of the lake you live on:
- Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
- West Bloomfield School District
Both districts score well and remain popular for families relocating to Oakland County.
Things to Do On & Around the Lake
Residents enjoy:
- All-sports boating
- Kayaking & paddleboarding
- Tubing & skiing
- Fishing (bass, bluegill, northern pike)
- Dock-side relaxation
- Sunset pontoon rides
Nearby amenities include:
- Marshbank Park
- Commerce Township parks & trails
- Dodge State Park (Cass Lake)
- Shopping & dining hubs in West Bloomfield & Commerce
- The Lakes Area Trail
Lower Straits offers everything from quiet morning paddles to energetic all-sports fun.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Private lake (no public access) | No public launch limits visitor use |
| Lower traffic than most all-sports lakes | Higher home prices |
| Great real estate appreciation | Limited inventory |
| Canal access to Middle Straits Lake | Some canals can be shallow seasonally |
| Upscale, peaceful environment | Not ideal for those wanting a lively public-lake atmosphere |
Final Thoughts
Lower Straits Lake is one of Oakland County’s most underrated lakefront gems—offering a perfect blend of privacy, recreation, water quality, strong property values, and a close-to-everything suburban location. If you're exploring lake homes in West Bloomfield or Commerce Township, this lake should absolutely be on your radar.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/where/inland-lake-maps-list - Michigan EGLE – Inland Lakes & Water Resources
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/lakes - Huron River Watershed Council
https://www.hrwc.org - West Bloomfield Township
https://www.wbtownship.org - Commerce Township
https://www.commercetwp.com - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner – Lake Levels
https://www.oakgov.com/government/water-resources-commissioner/stormwater/lakes-watersheds/lake-level-reports
FAQ – Lower Straits Lake (Top Questions Answered)
Below are common questions buyers, boaters, and Michigan lake enthusiasts often search about Lower Straits Lake.
1. Is Lower Straits Lake private?
Yes. Lower Straits Lake is fully private with no public boat launch.
2. Can you boat between Lower Straits and Middle Straits?
Yes, they’re connected by a canal that is navigable for most pontoons and ski boats.
3. How big is Lower Straits Lake?
Approximately 236 acres.
4. Is Lower Straits an all-sports lake?
Yes, it allows high-speed boating, tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding.
5. How deep is Lower Straits Lake?
Roughly 51 feet at its deepest point (varies slightly by source).
6. Is the lake good for fishing?
Yes—common catches include bass, pike, crappie, and bluegill.
7. What school districts serve the lake?
Homes may fall within Walled Lake Schools or West Bloomfield Schools.
8. Are there public beaches on Lower Straits Lake?
No—it's private, so beaches are for residents only.
9. Are the canals deep enough for boats?
Most canals are navigable, but water levels can vary seasonally, especially late summer.
10. Does Lower Straits Lake have good water clarity?
Yes—private access contributes to generally clean, clear water.
11. Is the lake good for paddleboarding and kayaking?
Absolutely—especially in the calm, quiet bays.
12. How is real estate around Lower Straits?
Highly desirable due to low traffic, privacy, and strong appreciation rates.
13. Are there HOA or lake association fees?
Depending on the subdivision—some areas have lake, canal, or park maintenance fees.
14. Can you keep large boats on Lower Straits?
Yes—pontoons, ski boats, and wake boats are common.
15. Are short-term rentals allowed?
Depends on the township and subdivision—many lake neighborhoods restrict STRs.
16. How does Lower Straits compare to Cass or Union Lake?
Lower Straits is quieter, more private, and less trafficked, but still full all-sports.
17. Is lake dredging common?
Some canal areas have undergone seasonal dredging depending on sediment needs.
18. Are there walking or biking trails nearby?
Yes—the Lakes Area Trail runs through Commerce & Walled Lake.
19. How busy does the lake get on weekends?
Busier than weekdays, but still significantly quieter than public all-sports lakes.
20. Is Lower Straits Lake good for families?
Very much—quiet, private shorelines and good schools make it a family-friendly lake.
