Lake Independence and Perkins County Park

Despite its popularity, this shallow, large (1,860-acre) lake offers excellent year-round fishing for most species of fish, according to local reports and those of Tom Huggler in Fish Michigan: 100 Upper Peninsula Lakes. The lake's weedy east end produces northern pike all year. There's a large walleye population. Smallmouth bass is good, too. The state record perch, 3 lbs. 12 oz., was caught here in 1947, but perch are now scarce. Independence Lake seems to be a naturally well-regulated fishery.

Lake Independence is warm for swimming because it's so shallow. The park has a good beach, a barrier-free fishing pier, a fish-cleaning station, a playground, and volleyball area. The bathhouse is new and well designed. See camping for campground info. -7/2010

On CR 550 at the south entrance to Big Bay. (906) 345-9353. Open year-round (except for bathroom facilities an camping) for ice fishing. Wheelchair accessible: all buildings, grass to beach, not the beach itself. Dogs allowed on leash. $2/vehicle daily fee, or $18 annual sticker.

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BIG BAY
POINTS OF INTEREST

Alder Falls. Pretty little waterfall a quater-mile down a hillside with a thick pine forest ... more

Lake Independence and Perkins County Park. There's good year-round fishing at this big lake known for its northern pike, walleye, and perch. The shallow lake makes for warmer, earlier swimming at the attractive park beach ... more

Big Bay Outfitters/Anatomy of a Canoe. Part crafts shop, part outfitters and kayak and canoe dealer, part outdoors store. In season a daily waterfall and mountaintop tour of hard-to-find beauty spots ... more

North Shore Treasures. A charming, rambling shop sells lodge look accessories, Michigan jams and sauces, and select local handcrafts. ... more

Cram's General Store. Hardware, takeout sandwiches, complete groceries and meats, videos, snowmobile and car parts can be found at this community info center ... more

Big Bay Harbor and beach. A beautiful and little-used beach near unusual sandstone formations that are fun for kayakers and scuba divers to explore ... more

Big Bay Point lighthouse tour. Now a B&B, this 1896 brick lighthouse has tours highlighted by a climb up the 65' light tower viewing Lake Independence, the Huron Mountains, and passing ships ... more

Thomas Rock Trail/Gobbler's Knob Overlook. A grand view toward the Keweenaw Peninsula on this 20-minute trail ... more

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