How deep is Francis Lake?

Francis Lake reaches a maximum depth of 83 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 17 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.

Where is the deepest part of Francis Lake?

The deepest surveyed water on Francis Lake sits toward the southwestern corner of the lake, inside the 83 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.

How accurate is this Francis 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

Francis Lake depth map

Francis Lake in Presque Isle County, Michigan reaches a depth of 83 feet. The official Michigan survey maps 17 depth bands across 18 contour lines. This free map of Francis Lake shows every surveyed contour as an interactive depth chart you can use to plan a session before you travel.

Francis Lake depth chart: 17 depth bands to 83 ft

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

Francis Lake depth chart data
Depth contour	Share of mapped area inside it
5 ft	about 6%
10 ft	about 5%
15 ft	about 3%
25 ft	about 2%
30 ft	about 1%
35 ft	about 1%
83 ft	under 1%

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

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

At 83 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 17 mapped depth bands make it straightforward to find those breaks before you launch.

Ice fishing on Francis Lake

On deep water like Francis 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.

Francis Lake depth map FAQs

How deep is Francis Lake?: Francis Lake reaches a maximum depth of 83 feet, according to the Michigan DNR Inland Lake Contours survey. Most of the lake is shallower, with 17 mapped depth bands between the shoreline and the deepest hole.
Where is the deepest part of Francis Lake?: The deepest surveyed water on Francis Lake sits toward the southwestern corner of the lake, inside the 83 ft contour. The interactive depth map above shows the full basin outline and the breaks leading into it.
How accurate is this Francis 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 Francis Lake

Rainy Lake depth map · 98+ ft max · 6 mi away
Clear Lake depth map · 90+ ft max · 8 mi away
Long Lake depth map · 84 ft max · 13 mi away
Black Lake depth map · 50 ft max · 16 mi away
Twin Lakes depth map · 73+ ft max · 22 mi away

Mapped fishing venues near Francis Lake

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

Rainy Lake · 6 mi away
Clear Lake · 8 mi away
Long Lake · 13 mi away

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