THE INLAND LAKES
Hubbard Lake: Located
about 30 minutes South
of Alpena, Hubbard
Lake is one of Michigan’s
largest inland lakes
and is known for its incredible
water clarity.
The lake covers 8,850
acres and is 85 feet deep
at its max. Although the
lake is very popular for
smallmouth bass fishing,
the fish are so abundant they’ve received very little pressure.
You will find some largemouth bass throughout the lake as well.
Long Lake: Long Lake is located just north of Alpena, adjacent to
Grand Lake. Its size is 5,652 acres and about 25 feet at its deepest.
This all-sports lake is known for its clear and shallow water and
its wind effects that help maintain a fairly consistent temperature
throughout the lake. You will find both largemouth bass and smallmouth
bass.
Grand Lake: Grand Lake, just north of Alpena
is 5,660 acres and about 20 feet at its deepest.
Reeds, rocks, and a number of small islands,
along with its large size, make it a great choice for
anglers looking for a challenge. Grand Lake has
some really nice smallmouths in it, and in plenty.
The smallmouths will typically range from 14 –
18 inches up to 21 or 22 inches.
THUNDER BAY RIVER
Fletcher Pond: This backwater of the Upper
South Branch of the Thunder Bay River is one
of Michigan’s steadiest producers of trophy
largemouths. Fletcher’s Pond is a shallow,
stump-filled largemouth factory famous for its
clear cold water. Created in 1931, Fletcher’s Pond
covers approximately 9,000 acres of what was
once a cedar forest.
Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary (Lake Besser): The Alpena Wildlife
Sanctuary, once called Lake Besser, is another portion of the Thunder
Bay River that is popular with anglers, especially when fishing for
bass. At about 400 acres and 23 feet deep at its maximum depth, you
will find both small and largemouth. There are many places to find
fish near the many bays, points, timber, and backwater. There is a
no-wake regulation on this body of water.
Lake Winyah: This 1,530-acre impoundment is located on the
Thunder Bay River just a short drive from Alpena proper, and is
sometimes referred to as the 7 Mile Pond for its location above the 7
Mile Dam. This is a great part of the river to take kids fishing.
THE BIG LAKE
Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay’s bass have thrived under
the radar. Thunder Bay was once famous for its trout and salmon
fishing and has gained some notoriety over its burgeoning walleye
population, while the fantastic smallmouth fishing goes basically
unnoticed.
Fishing; Courtesy Paul Gohlke
Fishing; Courtesy Paul Gohlke
Fishing on Hubbard Lake; Courtesy Alisha Bouchard
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