Intermediate Lake
Intermediate Lake is a roughly 1,570-acre lake in Antrim County at the middle of the 14-lake Elk River Chain of Lakes, with the village of Central Lake at its north end. It connects by boat to six upstream lakes, while a dam downstream blocks access to the Lower Chain.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Rock, gravel and points. Tubes, jerkbaits and drop-shots.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Northern Pike
Weed edges and bays. Spoons, spinnerbaits and tip-ups through the ice.
Muskellunge
46-inch minimum applies from Bellaire Dam upstream
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Yellow Perch
Schools on mud and sand flats. Great through the ice.
Boat launches
3 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Intermediate Lake - Central Lake DNR Access SitePublicMichigan DNR developed launch with trailer parking; recreation passport requiredDirections ↗
- Intermediate Lake - Openo Rd DNR Access SitePublicMichigan DNR concrete carry-in launch with lot and trailer parking, pit toilet; recreation passport requiredDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the Michigan DNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge 46-inch minimum size limit on Intermediate Lake from Bellaire Dam upstream, including tributaries | 46" |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Michigan Department of Natural Resources ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Bellaire Bait & TackleNearby3225 S M-88 Hwy, BellaireDirections ↗
Local tips
- Near-shore bottom is mostly sand and gravelly sand with some rocky areas and muck, so look for transitions between them.
- Muskellunge here have a 46-inch minimum size limit (Bellaire Dam upstream, including tributaries).
- A recreation passport is required at Michigan DNR access sites.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Michigan lakes
Torch Lake (Antrim County) Lake Charlevoix Burt Lake Mullett Lake Lake Gogebic Manistique Lake Black Lake Crystal Lake All Michigan lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.