Walk onto the docks at Van Etten Lake on a Tuesday morning in July and you’ll hear it before you see it. It isn't the sound of waves. It’s the low, rhythmic hum of pontoon engines and the occasional sharp thwack of a lure hitting the glass-calm surface near the reeds. Most people driving up US-23 towards the Upper Peninsula barely glance inland as they pass through Oscoda. They’re looking for the big water—Lake Huron. They’re missing out.
Van Etten Lake is tucked just north of the Au Sable River mouth, a massive 1,320-acre spread of water that feels remarkably intimate despite its size. It’s shallow. It’s moody. Honestly, it’s one of the most underrated spots in Iosco County if you actually give it a chance.
What People Get Wrong About Van Etten Lake Michigan
Most tourists assume that because a lake is near the "Sunrise Side" coast, it’s just a smaller version of the Great Lakes. Wrong. Van Etten is a completely different animal. While Lake Huron is freezing and unpredictable, Van Etten warms up fast. By late June, it’s actually swimmable without needing a wetsuit or a death wish.
There's also this weird misconception that it’s just a "base lake" because of its proximity to the old Wurtsmith Air Force Base. While the history there is heavy—and we’ll get into the environmental side of that in a second—the lake itself has remained the heartbeat of Oscoda’s inland recreation for decades. It’s a drainage point for the Pine River, which means the water is constantly moving, albeit slowly. This isn't a stagnant pond.
The depth is the real kicker. You’ve got a maximum depth of maybe 21 feet, but a huge chunk of the lake is significantly shallower. This creates a massive playground for vegetation. If you’re a bass fisherman, those weed lines are basically a gold mine. If you’re a boater who doesn't know how to read a depth finder? Well, you’re going to be buying a new prop pretty soon.
The Fishing Reality: Walleye, Pike, and Persistence
Let’s talk fish. People come here for the Walleye. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been active here for years, and the surveys usually show a healthy population. But here’s the thing: Van Etten Walleye are stubborn. They aren't going to just jump into your boat because you bought some expensive tackle at the local shop.
💡 You might also like: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
You have to work the drops.
Early morning or late evening is non-negotiable. During the day, the sun hits that shallow water and the fish go deep or bury themselves in the thickest weeds they can find. If you’re hunting Northern Pike, look toward the northern end where the Pine River feeds in. It’s marshy. It’s buggy. It’s perfect.
- The Gear: Bring your light tackle for the Yellow Perch, which are plenty, but keep a heavy leader ready if you’re trolling for those Pike.
- The Secret: Ask the locals at the bait shops near the bridge. They know which color jig is actually working this week, and it’s usually not what the package says.
- The Timing: June is peak, but don't sleep on ice fishing. Once that 1,300-acre shelf freezes over, the shanty towns pop up overnight.
The Shadow of Wurtsmith: Environmental Nuance
You can't talk about Van Etten Lake Michigan without addressing the elephant in the room: PFAS. This is where the "expert" part of the conversation gets serious. The lake sits right next to the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, which was the first site in the United States where PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from firefighting foam became a major public issue.
It’s a complicated legacy. For years, there have been "Do Not Eat" advisories for deer taken near the base and specific consumption guidelines for the fish.
Does this mean the lake is "dead"? Not even close.
📖 Related: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
State agencies like the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) monitor this constantly. The "Eat Safe Fish" guides are updated regularly. Most locals still fish, still boat, and still love this water. But as a visitor, you need to be informed. Check the current MDHHS guidelines before you plan a fish fry. Knowledge is better than fear, and the remediation efforts—including massive carbon filtration systems near the base—are some of the most advanced in the country. It’s a lesson in environmental resilience.
Where to Stay and How to Play
If you’re looking for a Hilton, keep driving to Saginaw or Alpena. Van Etten is about resorts. And by "resorts," I mean the classic, wood-paneled, screen-door-slamming Michigan cabins that have been family-owned since the 1950s.
The eastern shore is where most of the action is. You have the Van Etten Lake State Forest Campground, which is perfect if you want to keep things rugged. It’s rustic. No electricity. No fancy showers. Just you, a fire pit, and the sound of the wind through the pines. It’s one of those places where you actually have to talk to your kids because there’s no Wi-Fi.
For a bit more comfort, the various "cottage colonies" offer private docks. Imagine waking up, walking twenty feet, and being on your boat before the coffee is even done brewing. That’s the Van Etten lifestyle.
- Boating: There’s a public splash pad (boat launch) on the east side off Kenmare Rd. It gets busy on holiday weekends, so get there before 8:00 AM or wait until the afternoon lull.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for Bald Eagles. They nest in the tall pines surrounding the lake and aren't shy about stealing a fish right off your line.
- The Sandbar: There are spots where you can anchor up and just hang out in waist-deep water. It’s the social hub of the lake during the Fourth of July.
The Seasonal Rhythm
Winter is quiet. Dead quiet. The snow piles up high in Oscoda, and the lake transforms into a white desert. Then comes spring, the "mud season," where the Pine River runs high and murky, bringing nutrients into the system.
👉 See also: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
Summer is the peak, obviously. But autumn?
Autumn on Van Etten Lake is something else. The maples and oaks on the far shore turn brilliant shades of copper and fire-engine red. The water stays warm enough to hold the mist in the mornings. The summer crowds evaporate, leaving the lake to the locals and the migrating ducks. If you’re a photographer, this is your window. The light at 6:00 PM in October, hitting the reeds near the old Air Force base docks, is pure gold.
Navigating the Area
Oscoda itself is a cool little town. You’ve got the Au Sable River right there, which offers world-class tubing and canoeing. Most people stay in town and just drive the five minutes out to Van Etten.
If you need supplies, hit the local grocery stores in Oscoda rather than trying to find a convenience store near the lake. Prices are better, and the selection of Michigan-made craft beer is surprisingly deep. You're in the heart of the "Up North" transition zone. It’s where the farmland of the thumb starts to give way to the deep, sandy forests of the north.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually enjoy Van Etten Lake without the headaches, follow this checklist.
- Check the Advisories First: Go to the Michigan.gov/PFASresponse website. See the latest data. It’s updated often, and it’ll give you peace of mind regarding swimming and fishing.
- Get a Depth Map: Don't rely on your phone's GPS. Buy a physical or high-end digital bathymetric map of Van Etten. The shallow spots sneak up on you, especially near the islands and the river inlet.
- Respect the Wake: It’s a relatively narrow lake in spots. Be a decent human being—keep the high-speed runs to the center of the lake and slow down near the docks and the fishing boats.
- Explore the Au Sable: Since you’re right there, take one afternoon to visit the Lumberman’s Monument or the Iargo Springs. They are maybe 15 minutes away and offer the best views in the entire state.
- Book Early: Those old-school cabins fill up six months in advance. People have been coming to the same spots for three generations. You're competing with family traditions.
Van Etten Lake Michigan isn't trying to be the Caribbean. It isn't trying to be Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast. It’s a working-class, high-vibrancy, slightly-rough-around-the-edges inland lake that rewards people who take the time to learn its quirks. Whether you’re there for the Walleye or just to watch the sunset from a rickety wooden pier, it’s a place that stays with you. Just watch out for the weeds.