Waterford Township – Oakland County
Loon Lake is a 243-acre all-sports lake located in Waterford Township, offering a great mix of recreation, accessibility, and community. With its clean water, convenient public access, and diverse shoreline of updated cottages and modern lake homes, Loon Lake delivers a classic Oakland County lake experience that appeals to boaters, anglers, families, and year-round residents.
The lake sits in the heart of Waterford’s lake-rich region and connects to Silver Lake via a navigable canal, making it part of a desirable two-lake system.
Loon Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterford Township, Oakland County |
| Size | ~243 acres |
| Max Depth | ~73 feet |
| Lake Type | All-Sports |
| Public Access | Yes – DNR launch available |
| Water Clarity | 8–14 feet |
| Best For | Boating, wake sports, fishing, family lake living |
| Vibe | Active, accessible, and friendly |
| Connected To | Silver Lake (via canal) |
Lake Lifestyle
Loon Lake is one of the more active lakes in Waterford because it combines:
- A public DNR boat launch
- A large all-sports surface
- A mix of full-time residents and weekend lake users
- Easy access to M-59 and surrounding amenities
Homes around the lake range from charming older cottages to completely renovated, upscale lakefront properties with sandy frontage and modern docks.
Weekends on Loon Lake are lively, with boats tubing, wakeboarding, and cruising. Weekdays tend to be calmer, offering great opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding.
Because it connects to Silver Lake through a navigable canal, residents enjoy the benefit of two lakes without leaving the boat.
Fishing & Recreation
Loon Lake is known for excellent fishing, supported by its depth and healthy aquatic vegetation.
Common catches include:
- Largemouth bass
- Walleye
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Northern pike
- Rock bass
- Yellow perch
Recreation is strong due to the lake’s size and public access, making it popular for:
- Wakeboarding
- Water skiing
- Tubing
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Ice fishing (conditions permitting)
Silver Lake next door offers quieter paddling opportunities, giving residents a variety of water experiences.
Water Quality & Ecology
Loon Lake maintains good water clarity, ranging from 8–14 feet depending on the season. The lake’s depth profile — topping out around 73 feet — helps stabilize water temperature and supports a healthy fishery.
Lake management and ecology oversight are supported by:
- Michigan EGLE
- MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring
- Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Waterford Township also participates in invasive species management and stormwater programs to protect the lake’s long-term health.
The lake is generally categorized as mesotrophic, meaning it has balanced nutrients and strong ecological diversity.
Living on Loon Lake
Loon Lake is ideal for residents who want an all-sports lake with public access, an active lake culture, and a wide range of home styles and price points.
Many homes offer:
- Sandy frontage
- Private docks
- Large decks and sunset views
- Canal-front access to Silver Lake
- Walkability to nearby neighborhoods
If you’re exploring real estate options, check active homes for sale on Loon Lake (HERE).
To calculate potential taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator and select Oakland County and Waterford School District.
Nearby Conveniences
- Shopping: Meijer, Costco, Target, and local markets
- Dining: CJ’s Upper Deck, Overtime Grill, The Lodge, and Waterford dining options
- Healthcare: Trinity Health Oakland Hospital
- Parks: Dodge #4 State Park, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, and Hess-Hathaway Park
Events & Local Vibe
Residents describe Loon Lake as welcoming, social, and active. Thanks to its public launch, summer energy is high, with:
- Weekend boat traffic
- Fishing tournaments
- Neighborhood parties
- Fireworks on and around the lake (community-dependent)
It’s a classic Michigan lake with a fun yet balanced atmosphere.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great all-sports lake with deep water | Busy on weekends due to public access |
| Strong fishing and recreation | Limited public beach area |
| Connects to Silver Lake | Mixed home styles (older + renovated) |
| Convenient Waterford location | Occasional weed growth in shallow areas |
| Affordable compared to private lakes | Higher launch traffic in peak months |
Loon Lake Facts & Data
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| County | Oakland |
| Township | Waterford Township |
| Region | Southeast Michigan |
| Acres | ~243 |
| Max Depth | ~73 ft |
| Trophic Status | Mesotrophic |
| Public Access | Yes (DNR launch) |
| School District | Waterford School District |
| Connected Lakes | Silver Lake (via canal) |
Lake Resources & Helpful Links
Michigan DNR Loon Lake Map
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/forestslandwater/Inland_Lake_Maps/OAKLAND/LOON_LAKE.PDF
Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps (Oakland County)
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/where/inland-lake-maps-list
MiCorps Lake Reports
https://www.micorps.net/lake-monitoring/individual-lake-reports/
Michigan EGLE – Inland Lakes
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/lakes
Oakland County WRC – Lake Level Reports
https://www.oakgov.com/government/water-resources-commissioner/stormwater/lakes-watersheds/lake-level-reports
FEMA Flood Map
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Waterford Township Zoning
https://www.waterfordmi.gov/190/Planning-Zoning
Waterford School District
https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/
Michigan Property Tax Estimator
https://treas-secure.state.mi.us/ptestimator/
Nearby Recreation
Dodge #4 State Park – https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/parks-and-trails/find-a-park/dodge-4-state-park
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area – https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/parks-and-trails/find-a-park/pontiac-lake-recreation-area
