Townline Lake is on the Big Rapids/ Colfax Township line in Mecosta County. This Michigan lake is 73 acres and has reported depths of up to 52 feet. It is conveniently located just a couple miles outside the city of Big Rapids.

The lake is sparsely populated, only a few homes and cottages along its shoreline. It is scenic, but largely goes unnoticed by those traveling to one of many larger Mecosta County lakes, including neighboring Clear Lake and Hillview Lake

The DNR maintains a public boat launch on the east side of the lake. The site is small with limited parking. When I passed by the public access the other day, I noticed that the parking lot was filled with empty boat trailers. That’s a good sign regarding the fishing.

Enjoy a Michigan Lake

On my visit, I noticed a post by the DNR. I learned that Clear Lake is one of the few lakes in Michigan where the Common Loon is known to rest. Loons are considered a threatened species in the state of Michigan, with fewer than 400 nesting pairs in the state.

If you come across the Common Loon, you are advised to do your part and to help protect the Loon.  Please keep your distance. Disturbance of the Loon can cause them to desert their nest or chicks.

Sometimes I do not always agree with everything that comes out of the DNR. But on this topic, I am in full agreement. Let’s do all we can to preserve this beautiful, elegant bird.

Clear Lake is  located in Mecosta County, Colfax Township. It covers 130 acres and has a  reported depth of 30 feet. A Public launch is located on the south side of the lake.

Much of the Little Muskegon’s riverfront is natural, it’s riverbanks lined with a variety of oak, pine, ash and elm. Michigan deer, as well as a wide range of other wildlife and waterfowl, make their home here, enjoying life in their natural habitat.  Fisherman report catches of small mouth bass, walleye and perch.

Due to the brush, low hanging limbs and the trees that have fallen into the river, as well as the seasonal water levels, canoeing is only possible in the lower third of the river.

As with much of the waterfront on Michigan’s lakes and rivers, much of the property along the river is privately owned. Please respect the rights of property owners by not trespassing.

During Michigan lumber boom era, the Muskegon River was used as a means of transportation as logs were floated down the river from the northern Michigan forests, down river to the sawmills.

Located 5 miles south of Big Rapids on the east side of Northland Drive (the old 131), the community of Rogers Heights became the site of the Rogers Dam. Built in 1906, it was later destroyed by fire in 1921 and rebuilt in 1922. Rogers Dam is the site of the oldest hydro plant still in operation by Consumers Power, housing four generating units producing 6,700 kw of electricity.

The power company maintains a small waterfront park on the southwestern tip of Rogers Pond. A covered deck, picnic tables, restrooms and plenty of parking are found there.

A public boat launch is located on the western side of the pond.  Follow 11 Mile Road east from Rogers Heights toward the Muskegon River to the end of 11 Mile Road, turn right (south) and you will be at the launch.

Rogers Pond is an all sports area of over 700 acres. Fishermen report good amount of Northern Pike.

Whether you are thinking of a Michigan cottage for the summer, or looking for a year round home, Rogers Pond is known for good real estate values. Roger’s Pond is conveniently  located near US 131 just a few miles off exit #131.