Lakefront Cottage

[baber]

I have been in the market for a lakefront cottage for over a year (had a deal on Chippewa last year but it fell through) and I'm wondering what lake you guys would prefer to be on. I'm also open to suggestions and would like to hear of any places you guys know of out there. My only criteria are:

1.5 hours or less from Grand Rapids
All sports lake
Under $350K

Thanks for any input.

[cfruel]

It might be helpful if you further defined your needs. Fishing, boating, skiing...etc.

Here is what I know about some of the lakes you listed.

Chippewa is a nice big lake great for all sports. Fishing is good when the don't kill the weeds. Bass, gills Walleye and Pike are probably the best to fish for.

Hess is a weedy mess once summer hits. It becomes completely weed choked. The fishing sucks but he sports possibilities can be good.

I have a place on Brooks. It's a 300 acre all sports lake. Good bass and gill fishing, not much else. If you look at something there make sure it isn't in one of the coves, they are mucky and nasty.

Cy

[baber]

Originally Posted by cfruel

It might be helpful if you further defined your needs. Fishing, boating, skiing...etc.

Here is what I know about some of the lakes you listed.

Chippewa is a nice big lake great for all sports. Fishing is good when the don't kill the weeds. Bass, gills Walleye and Pike are probably the best to fish for.

Hess is a weedy mess once summer hits. It becomes completely weed choked. The fishing sucks but he sports possibilities can be good.

I have a place on Brooks. It's a 300 acre all sports lake. Good bass and gill fishing, not much else. If you look at something there make sure it isn't in one of the coves, they are mucky and nasty.

Cy

Thanks for the info. I'm looking for good fishing and pontoon boating. Maybe a little jet skiing. Interesting about Hess, I'm looking at a place on that lake tomorrow. I'm also looking at a place on Big Star, know anything about that lake?

[baber]

Originally Posted by cfruel

It might be helpful if you further defined your needs. Fishing, boating, skiing...etc.

Here is what I know about some of the lakes you listed.

Chippewa is a nice big lake great for all sports. Fishing is good when the don't kill the weeds. Bass, gills Walleye and Pike are probably the best to fish for.

Hess is a weedy mess once summer hits. It becomes completely weed choked. The fishing sucks but he sports possibilities can be good.

I have a place on Brooks. It's a 300 acre all sports lake. Good bass and gill fishing, not much else. If you look at something there make sure it isn't in one of the coves, they are mucky and nasty.

Cy

Thanks for the info. I'm looking for good fishing and pontoon boating. Maybe a little jet skiing. Interesting about Hess, I'm looking at a place on that lake tomorrow. I'm also looking at a place on Big Star, know anything about that lake?

[ALLEYES]

Big Star is a ZOO in the summer ! I wouldn't waste my money.

Now Hamlin I would take a long hard look at. Big Lake, sand dunes, killer fishing. And close to a very nice town.

[cfruel]

Originally Posted by ALLEYES

Big Star is a ZOO in the summer ! I wouldn't waste my money.

Now Hamlin I would take a long hard look at. Big Lake, sand dunes, killer fishing. And close to a very nice town.

I would second that! Hamlin is an awesome lake! I would own a place on Hamlin anytime!

I don't know anything about Big Star.

If I were going to pick one of the lakes you are looking at...I would probably pick Chippewa. However I've spent a lot of time in that area and my family own 75 acres near there.

[macbass]

i spend a lot of time in that area around chippewa also...there is also horsehead, jensen , mecosta round and blue in that area that are very good lakes..but my first choice would be chippewa...

[modo1221]

You might consider one of the impounds on the Muskegon river.
Something above Hardy or Croton Dam

[cfruel]

Originally Posted by modo1221

You might consider one of the impounds on the Muskegon river.
Something above Hardy or Croton Dam

Not if you want good consistent fishing you won't! If you are after natural beauty then yes.

[waterfoul]

Canadien Lakes is awsome fishing! It's private so you don't get any of the traffic you would get on most of the lakes you listed. At times it's like you have the whole lake to yourself. Good pike, bass, and panfish.

[sea nympho]

Originally Posted by ALLEYES

Big Star is a ZOO in the summer ! I wouldn't waste my money.

Now Hamlin I would take a long hard look at. Big Lake, sand dunes, killer fishing. And close to a very nice town.

I grew up real close to Big Star L...100% TOTAL ZOO! Plus it's the most overpriced waterfront real estate market this side of Walloon L. My FIL has a place on Basford across the street from BSL...no gas motors...30acres...and the sound of a circus on water coming from BSL all day between 11a-7:30p...thank goodness for 'No Wake'!

I second the Hamiln L. suggestion also.

Originally Posted by baber

I have been in the market for a lakefront cottage for over a year (had a deal on Chippewa last year but it fell through) and I'm wondering what lake you guys would prefer to be on. I'm also open to suggestions and would like to hear of any places you guys know of out there.

How far north you wanna go? There's lots of good lakes an hour north...many right around Big Star...but nothing coming close to her in terms of acreage.

Feel free to shoot me a PM if you find yourself wondering about a lake in Lake or Newaygo Co's...I regularly fish many of the lakes there.

But my best advice is to find a place on Indian L. in Howard City.

[jtmethod125]

Seeing as how I'd be no where near owning a lakefront cabin, I like to think way out of the box, I'd want something up in the UP, gorgeous land and lakes up there ;-D