Middle Straits Lake, Michigan: The Ultimate Guide

West Bloomfield • Commerce Township • Novi – Oakland County

Middle Straits Lake is a 172-acre all-sports lake located across West Bloomfield Township, Commerce Township, and a corner of Novi. Known for its active lake lifestyle, strong neighborhood associations, and great fishing, Middle Straits Lake is one of the most family-friendly and vibrant lakes in Oakland County.

With a max depth of around 50 feet, multiple private beach associations, and a close-knit community vibe, the lake offers an ideal balance of recreation and relaxed lake living — just minutes from major shopping, restaurants, and schools.

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Middle Straits Lake at a Glance

Feature	Details
Location	West Bloomfield Township, Commerce Township & Novi
Size	~172 acres
Max Depth	~50 feet
Lake Type	All-Sports
Public Access	No public DNR launch (private association access only)
Water Clarity	8–12 feet
Best For	Boating, paddle sports, fishing, family-friendly communities
Vibe	Social, active, and community-driven
Nearby Cities	Novi, Walled Lake, Farmington Hills

Lake Lifestyle

Middle Straits Lake is known for being one of the most active lake communities in the Walled Lake school district. Because the lake has no public DNR access, traffic stays moderate, and most boating activity comes from residents or association members.

The shoreline hosts a mix of:

Updated mid-century lake cottages
Modern lakefront rebuilds
Quiet inland neighborhoods with private beach access

Residents enjoy summer pontoon cruises, wakeboarding, tubing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The lake also has multiple community beach parks, making it one of the more accessible lakes in Oakland County for neighborhood residents (but still not fully public).

The lake is especially popular with families because of its friendly atmosphere and the strong sense of community along its shoreline.

Fishing & Recreation

Middle Straits Lake offers a diverse fishery with opportunities to catch:

Largemouth bass
Northern pike
Bluegill
Perch
Crappie
Catfish

Fishing is particularly good in the early morning and evening, with healthy weed beds and varying depths providing habitat.

Recreation includes:

Boating and tubing
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Swimming from sandy-frontage shorelines
Winter skating and ice fishing

The lake connects to Upper Straits Lake via the Upper Straits dam system, though boating between them isn’t possible.

Nearby recreational spots include Marshbank Park, Dodge #4 State Park, and the West Bloomfield Trail, providing endless year-round outdoor activities.

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Water Quality & Ecology

Middle Straits Lake generally maintains good water clarity averaging 8–12 feet depending on season. Water quality is managed through local associations as well as county and state oversight.

The lake is typically considered mesotrophic, supporting balanced aquatic vegetation and strong fisheries. Weed management programs help control invasive species and keep the shoreline pleasant for swimming and boating.

Local and state agencies supporting lake health include:

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Michigan EGLE Water Resources Division
MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program

Living on Middle Straits Lake

Living on Middle Straits Lake offers one of the most social and community-oriented lake lifestyles in Oakland County. Neighborhood beach associations in West Bloomfield and Commerce Township provide private lake access for many off-water homes — a major advantage in the Walled Lake school district.

Lakefront properties often feature private docks, panoramic views, and direct access to quiet coves perfect for kayaking or swimming.

If you’re exploring real estate options, browse active listings on Middle Straits Lake (HERE).

To estimate property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator and select Oakland County and either Walled Lake Schools or West Bloomfield Schools, depending on the parcel location.

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Nearby Conveniences

Shopping: Twelve Oaks Mall, West Oaks, Novi Town Center
Dining: It’s a Matter of Taste, The Lodge Grill & Bar, Uptown Grille
Healthcare: Corewell Health West Bloomfield, Ascension Providence Novi
Recreation: Marshbank Park, Dodge #4 State Park, Lakeshore Park (Novi)

Events & Local Vibe

With multiple beach associations and neighborhood groups, Middle Straits Lake has a very social and welcoming vibe. Annual events often include:

Neighborhood picnics
Kayak and paddleboard meet-ups
Fireworks (community-dependent)
Fishing contests
Summer BBQs

It’s one of the best Oakland County lakes for families who want both activity and a sense of belonging.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Family-friendly lake culture	No public access (may be a “pro” depending on the buyer)
Good water clarity	Boat traffic increases on weekends
Several private beach associations	Some beach associations have waiting lists
Excellent fishing	Mixed home styles
Convenient location	Small number of lakefront homes on the market

Middle Straits Lake Facts & Data

Category	Information
County	Oakland
Townships	West Bloomfield, Commerce Township, Novi
Region	Southeast Michigan
Acres	~172
Max Depth	~50 ft
Trophic Status	Mesotrophic
Public Access	None (private access only)
School Districts	Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, West Bloomfield Schools
Nearby Parks	Marshbank Park, Lakeshore Park, Dodge #4 State Park