All of Otis Lake is very shallow. There isn’t a deep hole in the lake. Consequently, during the hot summer months, the lake is choked with aquatic vegetation.
I kayaked Otis Lake in late May of 2026, after a cooler than normal spring. The vegetation was not an issue. I easily paddled wherever I wanted to go.
Otis Lake is on the west side of Otis Lake Road, between Sager Road and Gun Lake Road in Rutland Township. A wide spot in the road is the best spot to launch and land a boat. Parking is on the shoulder of the road. A large boulder on the side of the road marks the spot.
Barry State Game Area surrounds the lake. The south, east, and north sides of Otis Lake are bounded by forest that extends to the water’s edge.
The west side of the lake is different. Small scrubby-looking trees are separated from the shoreline by a strip of grassy marsh. The shallows near shore were not navigable due to massive floating and submerged lily pad root systems. Stay out a little ways from shore.
I expected to see waterfowl on the lake, but there were none. Deer frequent the area, but I didn’t see any while paddling. It didn’t surprise me when I saw no fish in the lake. Fish can’t survive the winter in shallow lakes like this. In the far northeast corner of the lake, I explored a hidden stream and discovered four beaver lodges. The stream is the outlet for the lake.
Otis Lake is a cool body of water to explore during spring and late fall, but avoid it in the heat of summer. Here’s one last look at Otis Lake during spring.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 