Upper Straits Lake, Michigan: The Ultimate Guide

West Bloomfield Township & Orchard Lake Village – Oakland County

Upper Straits Lake is one of Oakland County’s most beautiful and exclusive lakes — known for its clear water, quiet atmosphere, and upscale lakefront homes. Located in both West Bloomfield Township and Orchard Lake Village, this private all-sports lake spans approximately 323 acres, offering a peaceful yet active lake lifestyle with some of the most desirable real estate in southeast Michigan.

With its deep water, strong community associations, and pristine shoreline, Upper Straits Lake attracts year-round residents who appreciate privacy, natural beauty, and high-quality lake living.

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Upper Straits Lake at a Glance

Feature	Details
Location	West Bloomfield Township & Orchard Lake Village
Size	~323 acres
Max Depth	~55 feet
Lake Type	Private, All-Sports
Public Access	None (private HOA access only)
Water Clarity	10–16 feet
Best For	Quiet luxury living, boating, paddle sports, fishing
Vibe	Serene, upscale, and community-focused
Nearby Cities	~35 minutes to Detroit; 10–15 minutes to Birmingham, Novi, Farmington Hills

Lake Lifestyle

Upper Straits Lake is designed for those who want a refined, peaceful lake experience. Because the lake is private and has no public access, boat traffic stays low and the water remains exceptionally clean.

The shoreline features elegant lakefront homes, many with private beaches, docks, and manicured landscaping. Residents enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, wake sports, and evening pontoon rides — all without the congestion found on many public all-sports lakes.

The community around Upper Straits Lake is tight-knit, featuring active homeowners’ associations that maintain the lake, oversee water quality, and organize occasional neighborhood events.

If you're looking for privacy, tranquility, and upscale lakefront living, Upper Straits Lake is among the best choices in Oakland County.

Fishing & Recreation

Despite being private, Upper Straits Lake is home to excellent fishing, including:

Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Walleye
Pike
Crappie
Bluegill
Perch

The lake’s depth and water quality support a strong and diverse fish population.

Recreation is well-balanced — it’s an all-sports lake, but boating activity stays controlled due to restricted access. Residents enjoy:

Wakeboarding
Water skiing
Tubing
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Swimming
Ice skating and ice fishing (winter permitting)

Nearby parks like Marshbank Park and Dodge #4 State Park offer additional recreation, walking trails, and seasonal events.

Water Quality & Ecology

Upper Straits Lake has historically maintained excellent water clarity, thanks to proactive management by local HOAs and township oversight. The lake is typically categorized as mesotrophic, with balanced nutrient levels and a healthy ecological profile.

Water clarity ranges from 10–16 feet, and invasive species management programs keep the lake safe for boating and swimming.

Environmental data is supported by:

MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring
Michigan EGLE’s lakewater programs
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner lake-level monitoring

Because the lake is private, its water quality consistently ranks among the better-maintained lakes in Oakland County.

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Living on Upper Straits Lake

Upper Straits Lake offers a highly sought-after lifestyle with some of the most beautiful lakefront property in southeast Michigan. Homes are often larger, custom-built, and meticulously maintained — with expansive private frontage and sweeping lake views.

Many subdivisions surrounding the lake provide:

Private beach parks
Boat launches (for HOA members only)
Walking paths
Community docks
Optional association activities

The lake touches two premier communities:

West Bloomfield Township
Orchard Lake Village

Both offer excellent schools, shopping, parks, and dining.

To view available homes, check active listings on Upper Straits Lake (HERE).

For property tax estimates, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator and select Oakland County and either West Bloomfield Schools or Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, depending on parcel location.

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Nearby Conveniences

Major Roads: Orchard Lake Rd, Haggerty Rd, M-5, I-696
Healthcare: Corewell Health West Bloomfield Hospital
Dining: It’s a Matter of Taste, J. Alexander’s, Prime29, Anita’s Kitchen
Shopping: Orchard Mall, Twelve Oaks Mall, downtown Birmingham
Recreation: Marshbank Park, Dodge #4 State Park, West Bloomfield Trail

Events & Local Vibe

Upper Straits Lake is quieter than public lakes, but the community is active and engaged. HOA-led events include:

Summer picnics
Lake clean-up days
Occasional fireworks (subdivision-dependent)
Kayak meetups
Association annual meetings

The overall vibe is peaceful, scenic, and neighborly — ideal for residents who want the beauty of lake life without heavy weekend traffic.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Very clean, quiet, and private	No public access
Upscale, well-maintained homes	Higher property values
Excellent fishing and recreation	Limited availability of lakefront homes
Active community associations	HOA rules restrict certain activities
Low boat traffic	Less “social lake” energy than public lakes

Upper Straits Lake Facts & Data

Category	Information
County	Oakland
Townships	West Bloomfield Township & Orchard Lake Village
Region	Southeast Michigan
Acres	~323
Max Depth	~55 ft
Trophic Status	Mesotrophic
Public Access	None (private HOA access only)
Primary Schools	West Bloomfield School District, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Nearby Parks	Marshbank Park, Dodge #4 State Park