How deep is Derby Lake?

Derby Lake reaches a maximum depth of 87 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 12 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.

Where is the deepest part of Derby Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Derby Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 87 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Derby Lake depth map?

The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Michigan lake depth maps

Derby Lake depth map

Derby Lake in Montcalm County, Michigan reaches a depth of 87 feet. The official Michigan survey maps 12 depth bands across 16 contour lines. This free map of Derby Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Derby Lake depth chart: 12 depth bands to 87 ft

Data: Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours (public record), retrieved August 2026 · depths change over time · not for navigation

Derby Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
5 ft	about 100%
10 ft	about 72%
15 ft	about 64%
20 ft	about 58%
30 ft	about 52%
40 ft	about 45%
50 ft	about 36%
60 ft	about 29%
70 ft	about 23%
80 ft	about 23%

Share of the surveyed surface area enclosed by each depth contour, computed from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours data.

How to fish Derby Lake: deep, two-story water

At 87 feet, this is a two-story fishery: warm-water species work the shallows and weed edges while the deep basin can hold cold-water fish below the summer thermocline. In summer, target the transition where the bottom breaks from the shallow shelf toward the basin; fish suspend along that edge at dawn and dusk. The 12 mapped depth bands make it straightforward to find those breaks before you launch.

Ice fishing on Derby Lake

On deep water like Derby Lake, the winter bite concentrates along the first major drop-off rather than the deepest basin. Use the contours above to find where the shallow shelf breaks toward deep water and set up on that edge; panfish and walleye slide up and down it through the day. Late ice often pushes fish shallower again. Always verify ice thickness locally before walking out, and remember deep lakes freeze later and less evenly than shallow ones.

Derby Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Derby Lake?: Derby Lake reaches a maximum depth of 87 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 12 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.
Where is the deepest part of Derby Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Derby Lake sits toward the western side of the lake, inside the 87 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Derby Lake depth map?: The contours come from the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Depths change over time with water levels and sediment, so treat this map as a planning guide for fishing, and never use it for navigation.

Depth maps for lakes near Derby Lake

Crystal Lake depth map · 70 ft max · 10 mi away
Winfield Lake depth map · 57+ ft max · 14 mi away
Scram Lake depth map · 85 ft max · 16 mi away
Baptist Lake depth map · 65+ ft max · 23 mi away
Lime Lake depth map · 70+ ft max · 26 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Derby Lake

Derby Lake in the venue directory covers access and fishing details for this water.

Crystal Lake · 10 mi away
Duck Lake · 13 mi away
North Pier · 13 mi away

Fishing in Michigan needs a state license: Michigan fishing license guide · all Michigan venues