McKeever Lake fishing

Fishing at McKeever Lake has Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.3 times a year since 1981, most often in August and October. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass and dawn, day, and dusk for Northern Pike and Bluegill.

Last stocked

June 2, 2026

Plants on record

13

Since 1981

Species recorded

1

Surface acres

146.6

Access and facts

Nearest town
Munising, MI
Boat ramp
Yes

McKeever Lake (132 acres, Hiawatha National Forest) has a boat launch; the USFS McKeever Cabin overlooking the lake is reachable by a 1,000-foot trail from a parking area or by boat. No restrooms on site. Nearest town is Munising, about 14 miles north.

Sources: access.boat_ramp , shore_notes , nearest_town , fishing_notes , watch_outs

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How McKeever Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the third week of October. In 2026 it was June 2, 2026, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 33 years between 1981 and 2026.

About 17 reported fish per acre, 18th most of 20 lakes in Schoolcraft County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Petes Lake (0.9 mi) was stocked more recently.

Fish at McKeever Lake

Fishing McKeever Lake is most likely to be for Muskellunge. All 13 plants on record are Muskellunge.

Muskellunge 13 plants
Plants
13 of 13
Last stocked
June 2, 2026

Seasons and rigs are on the Muskellunge guide.

Fishing McKeever Lake

McKeever Lake, a 132-acre lake located approximately 14 miles south of Munising in Schoolcraft County, offers lake fishing opportunities. It was stocked with northern muskie in 1990 and also supports a good population of northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bluegill. Fishing is one of the many recreation opportunities available in the area.

Sources: fs.usda.gov

What to watch for

During the winter, anglers should be aware that snowmobiles are not allowed to the cabin area. Access requires parking at the entrance to the Widewaters Campground and then skiing or snowshoeing for approximately one mile.

Fish stocked per year

  • 3001981
  • 2601990
  • 2511998
  • 2002001
  • 2602003
  • 2002010
  • 2102013
  • 2102015
  • 2102018
  • 1292021
  • 1302022
  • 1292024
  • 662026

Stocking history

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 2, 2026 Muskellunge 66 – report
November 6, 2024 Muskellunge 129 – report
October 24, 2022 Muskellunge 130 – report
October 26, 2021 Muskellunge 129 – report
October 31, 2018 Muskellunge 210 – report
October 28, 2015 Muskellunge 210 – report
November 7, 2013 Muskellunge 210 – report
October 13, 2010 Muskellunge 200 – report
October 14, 2003 Muskellunge 260 – report
October 16, 2001 Muskellunge 200 – report
October 6, 1998 Muskellunge 251 – report
August 17, 1990 Muskellunge 260 – report
August 13, 1981 Muskellunge 300 – report

Species found here

Confirmed present independent of the stocking records above, not from a stocking event.

  • Northern pike : Listed among McKeever Lake's fish populations by the US Forest Service; not documented in the state stocking data for this lake. (source)
  • Largemouth bass : Listed among McKeever Lake's fish populations by the US Forest Service; not documented in the state stocking data for this lake. (source)
  • Smallmouth bass : Listed among McKeever Lake's fish populations by the US Forest Service; not documented in the state stocking data for this lake. (source)
  • Bluegill : Listed among McKeever Lake's fish populations by the US Forest Service; not documented in the state stocking data for this lake. (source)

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

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