Kent Lake, reservoir lake in Oakland County, Michigan, USA

Kent Lake is a large reservoir in Michigan formed by damming the Huron River, spanning Oakland and Livingston counties within Kensington Metropark. The water body features wooded shores and open areas that accommodate fishing, boating, and waterside walks.

The lake was created in 1946 when a dam was built on the Huron River, enlarging a small natural lake into a major recreation area. The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority managed this project to provide water storage and outdoor recreation for the region.

Kent Lake lies entirely within Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area, so anglers and boaters reach it through those park systems. Fish found in the lake include bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Black crappie and bluegill were reported historically, but notable declines were recorded in the 1990s.

The lake is accessible via straightforward roads with parking areas nearby where visitors can leave vehicles and walk to the water. A ten mile per hour speed limit for boats ensures safety for all users and keeps the environment calm.

The reservoir was originally a small natural lake of about 70 acres before the dam transformed it into a large recreation and water storage area. This change demonstrates how human infrastructure reshaped the landscape while creating new opportunities for nearby communities.