Hess Lake - one of Newaygo Counties Best Kept Secrets

Hess Lake is located in Newaygo Michigan. Hess Lake is a popular vacation destination for residents and guests alike, as Hess Lake has many great vacation homes available for rent daily or weekly.  Pets are always welcome.

Pontoon boats and sea doo’s seem to the popular option for getting around the lake, but you will also find several power and skiing boats, kayaks, canoes and even float planes on Hess Lake. Boat rentals are available.

Swimming is a popular at the sandy bottom “swimming hole” located on the North west side of the lake. Boaters line up and anchor and share the sunny days with more boaters – have lunch, soak up the sun and let the kids swim – family fun!

Fishing on Hess Lake remains productive with great catches of Bluegills, Crappie and Bass being caught. Some of the best fishing can be along the Hess Lake channel in early spring for Crappie. The channel is located on the South side of the lake.

Largemouth Bass are also favorites with good sizes and numbers being caught in the early morning hours and evenings around docks and lifts. Our favorite is a black plastic worm.

The fun and excitement doesn’t end with colder temperatures, as Hess Lake comes alive in the winter months. After a good freeze and ice conditions improve, the lake takes on a whole new atmosphere.

Ice fishing on Hess Lake also is very popular and productive as limit catches of Crappie and Gills are not uncommon as are the large “slabs” of Crappie in the 10-13 inch range.

You will also see the float planes re-appear when the ice is safe, just after the ice fishermen take hold. You will also notice snowmobiles racing across the lake and even take in some motorcycle or car ice racing during the annual Newaygo “Winterfest” celebration during the end of January.

What would a great inland lake have to offer if it didn’t offer a great place to dine? Smuggler’s Cove on Hess Lake offers some exceptional food, great service and prices with spectacular views of Hess Lake. You may choose to dine inside or simply just enjoy a cocktail outside on the deck overlooking the lake. You can arrive by land or water, drive your boat up to one of the restaurants several dock slips offered.

Hess Lake is an all-sports inland lake with a perimeter of 5.75 miles, consisting of 755 acres with a maximum dept of 28 feet, but remains relatively shallow with average depths of 6-10 feet common.

Hess Lake is located in the southern portion of Newaygo County, just off from M-37 and M-82 and is easily accessible by the public launch ramp from 88th street and Redwood Drive.

For more information on Hess Lake and its surrounding area, visit www.NewaygoNaturally.com