Long Lake

Long Lake sits quietly in Oakland County, just a stone's throw from the bustling Union Lake area, offering paddlers a surprisingly peaceful retreat despite its proximity to suburban development. This 62-acre lake maintains a more intimate feel than its larger neighbors, with a maximum depth of around 30 feet and a relatively undeveloped shoreline that's preserved much of its natural character. The lake's elongated shape gives it the obvious namesake, stretching roughly east to west with several small bays and inlets that create interesting nooks to explore. What sets Long Lake apart from other area waters is its consistent protection from prevailing winds and the fact that it sees lighter motorboat traffic than nearby Union Lake, making it an ideal spot for newer paddlers or anyone seeking a calmer experience.

The paddling conditions on Long Lake are about as forgiving as they come in southeastern Michigan. The lake's orientation and surrounding tree cover provide natural windbreaks that keep surface chop to a minimum even on breezy days. You'll typically find glassy morning conditions during summer months, with only light ripples developing by afternoon. There's no current to speak of, and the water clarity is decent for this region, though not crystal clear. The shoreline varies from shallow, weedy areas perfect for wildlife watching to deeper drop-offs along the central channel. Wind patterns tend to follow the lake's length when they do pick up, usually from the west, but the relatively short fetch means waves rarely become problematic for any type of paddle craft.

This lake works well for all the basic paddle sports, though each has its sweet spots. Kayakers will appreciate the protected coves on the north shore for practicing skills or just enjoying the scenery. The eastern end gets shallow and weedy by late summer, creating excellent habitat for bass and bluegill if you're dragging fishing gear along. Canoeists find the calm conditions perfect for family outings, and there's enough room to paddle a decent distance without feeling cramped. SUP enthusiasts have plenty of space to cruise, and the generally calm surface makes it forgiving for beginners still working on balance. For kayak fishing, focus on the weed edges and drop-offs along the deeper sections. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and some northern pike call this lake home, with early morning and evening being your best bets.

Summer is definitely prime time here, with June through August offering the most consistent weather and warmest water temperatures. Spring paddling can be good in May, but you'll want to check for any ice-out conditions and be prepared for chillier water. The surrounding vegetation really comes alive by mid-June, creating that lush Michigan summer feel that makes these inland lakes so appealing. Water levels tend to be most stable during the peak season, though like most southeastern Michigan lakes, Long Lake can drop a bit during dry spells in late summer. Fall paddling is possible into September and early October, but you'll be sharing the water with more waterfowl as migration picks up, and frankly, the mosquitoes can be pretty fierce until the first few frosts knock them back.

Access is straightforward via the public boat ramp on the lake's south shore, easily reached from Union Lake Road. The ramp itself is concrete and well-maintained, suitable for launching everything from kayaks to small motorboats, though you'll mainly see paddle craft and small fishing boats here. Parking is adequate with space for roughly 15-20 vehicles and trailers, though it can fill up on prime weekend days during peak season. The launch area has no facilities beyond the ramp and parking, so plan accordingly for restrooms or water. From the ramp, you can easily paddle in any direction, though I'd recommend heading toward the quieter eastern end first to get a feel for the lake before exploring the slightly busier western sections where a few private docks extend into the water.