Spider Lake Living Guide

Boating Map

This map shows the boating direction (counter clockwise), no wake zones, sandbars, high speed boating hours (11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.), the 5 islands, boating safety information, sandbar locations, and much more.  

Please place a copy of this document in your boat for quick reference. 

Boating Safety

Spider Lake is periodically patrolled by the Grand Traverse County Marine Sheriff Department, who enforces the local and state marine laws.

Please carefully review “The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities” to be sure you, your family and guests are following the laws. This handbook is included in this welcome packet.

As a reminder, those born on or after July 1, 1996, may legally operate a motorized boat over 6 horsepower only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it in their possession.

Bubblers

Use of a bubbler system is highly discouraged because of the safety issues they can cause with ice.  Bubblers can cause thin and unstable ice hundreds of feet away from the dock where the bubblers are located, which is a significant safety risk for those on the frozen lake.  See the ENews post on Bubblers for more information.

Wake/Surf Boats

Wake/surf boats have been shown to cause damage to our fragile lake shoreline and the bottomlands. The Michigan DNR has developed recommendations for distance (500 feet from the shoreline or docks) and depth (15 feet) where wake/surf boating minimizes shoreline damage.

See the ENews post here for more information. This post also shows the recommended locations for wake/surf boating on Spider Lake.

Leaf and Debris Cleanup

DO NOT blow leaves or debris into the lake.  Excessive leaves and debris have a negative impact on the water quality, as well as aquatic flora and fauna. 

Bagged leaves and organic debris can be disposed of at the Grand Traverse County Brush Drop-off Site on Keystone Road. Contact East Bay Charter Township at 231-947-8647 or visit this site to request free spring and fall passes for drop-off.

Loons

Spider Lake is very fortunate to have a breeding pair of Common Loons. Loons are a threatened species in Michigan and are very sensitive to human disturbance. They typically nest in shallow water in May and once the chicks are born (usually in early June), they enter deeper parts of the lake. The chicks cannot easily avoid a boat, so it’s your responsibility to look for and avoid them. Please keep your distance and don’t harass our loons.

Key Activities Requiring a Permit or License

from East Bay Charter Township, Grand Traverse County, DNR, and/or EGLE

  • Short Term Rental (anything less than 30 days).

  • Building structures of any kind within 50 feet of the “Ordinary High Water Mark” at the shoreline.

  • Any/all tree and vegetation removal within 50 ft of the “Ordinary High Water Mark” at the shoreline.  

  • Oak tree removal beyond 50 ft does not require a permit, but has additional restrictions because of Oak Wilt disease, which is prevalent in our area.  

  • Any change in your shoreline (such as sea wall, rocks, etc.).

  • Any chemical treatment of aquatic plants, algae, etc.

  • Any permanent dock installation.

Exterior Lighting

Many residents on the lake enjoy star gazing and seeing the Northern Lights right from their home. Over the years, exterior lighting has significantly impacted our dark sky. Exterior lighting is now known to impact migratory birds and other animals, as well as our sleeping patterns.

East Bay Charter Township has dark sky best practices to limit light pollution. These include switching to “down” lighting, with lower wattage soft white light bulbs that only light up what is needed (not your neighbor’s property or the lake), and using motion sensors instead of 24/7 or dusk-to-dawn lighting. Please assess your outdoor lighting and do your part to help us regain our dark skies!

NOTE: Night lighting reflects off the lake surface impacting neighbors near and far.

Good Neighbor Guidelines

  • Per the East Bay Charter Township Noise Ordinance, “No person… shall cause a noise disturbance…”  A noise disturbance is defined as noise that “impairs the health, welfare, or peace of another person...”  Please be respectful of your neighbors and minimize noise (e.g. loud voices, music, outdoor parties), especially between 10 pm and 7 am.  

  • Please note that voices and music carry a long way over water.  Your conversations while boating are often not private.  

  • Per Grand Traverse County ordinance, dogs must be leashed when off the owner’s premises.  Please always clean up after your dog.  

  • Please leave no trace behind.  This includes the Spider Lake’s public islands and the DNR boat launch.  

Tree Health

Trees are a vital part of the ecosystem at Spider Lake. They support water quality, decrease soil erosion, and provide food and habitat for living creatures.

OAK TREE WILT:  Oak Tree Wilt is a disease common in our area and can kill a full-size tree in less than 3 months.  It is evident by a sudden leaf loss. It quickly spreads to neighboring trees.  

To avoid spreading Oak Wilt disease, do not cut or prune Oak trees or branches, even dead limbs, from roughly mid-April through mid-October.  Cut or prune only after freezing temperatures have occurred for 4+ consecutive days, which is when the tree becomes dormant.  If an Oak tree branch breaks off, immediately paint any cuts with shellac or latex paint.

When hiring a tree professional, only hire professionals who follow these guidelines. 

BEECH BARK DISEASE and HEMLOCK WOOLY ADELGID:  These are other tree diseases to be aware of in our area.

Transporting Firewood: Use local firewood only. Do not transport firewood from other areas as that practice can transport hitch-hiking invasive insects and diseases, which can easily spread to trees and in many cases, kill them.

Septic Systems and Wells

All Spider Lake properties use well water and either a septic system with field or a pump and haul holding tank system.  Health experts recommend testing well water yearly.  Septic and holding tank systems should be property maintained to ensure no leakage to surrounding soil and the lake.  Seepage (untreated sewage) can quickly pollute our wells and lake, causing illness and algal blooms that may severely impact our ecosystem.  

Learn more on the GT County website.