HomeMichiganAlcona County

Hubbard Lake

Alcona County, Michigan Lake Connected Water
8,850 acres97.5 ft deep3 launchesFree launch availableRec Passport required
Hubbard Lake Access Map 3 launches
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Hubbard Lake
East Bay Hubbard Lake Boat Launch
Harrisville State Park · Paved ramp, 3 lanes, 68 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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North End Park
Caledonia Township · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 26 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat
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South Bay Hubbard Lake Boat Launch
Harrisville State Park · Unimproved ramp, 2 lanes, 41 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Sucker Creek feeds into the north end of Hubbard Lake and is notable enough that anglers report catching salmon near its mouth. The lake sits within the Lake Huron watershed in Alcona County. Its outflow eventually drains east toward Lake Huron.

Winter & Ice Safety

Hubbard Lake freezes in winter and draws ice anglers targeting walleye and perch in the shallower bays. However, with a max depth of 97.5 feet and significant size (8,850 acres), ice thickness can vary dramatically across the lake — the deep eastern basin can be unreliable while shallower areas freeze solid. Always check local ice reports and drill test holes frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Hubbard Lake?
Hubbard Lake covers 8,850 acres, making it one of the largest inland lakes in northern Lower Michigan. It's seven miles long (north-south) and two miles wide, with a maximum depth of 97.5 feet and an average depth of 32.6 feet. The lake spans three townships in Alcona County.
Is there a public boat launch on Hubbard Lake?
Yes — there are three public boat launches on Hubbard Lake, all well-maintained and highly rated (4.8 stars combined). The North End Park launch in Caledonia Township is a favorite, with a paved ramp, clean restrooms, a pavilion, playground, and swim area. Reviewers note plenty of parking and quick in-and-out launching.
Can you swim in Hubbard Lake?
Yes. There are public swim areas at the access parks, including a designated swim area at the North End Park. The water is clean and clear — reviewers frequently mention how beautiful and peaceful it is. Several resorts along the shore also have private sandy beaches.
Where is Hubbard Lake in Michigan?
Hubbard Lake is in Alcona County in the northern Lower Peninsula, roughly 30 miles northwest of Alpena. The lake spans Caledonia, Alcona, and Hawes townships. It's well off the major highways, which contributes to its uncrowded feel.
Is Hubbard Lake crowded?
Despite being nearly 9,000 acres, Hubbard Lake has a reputation as a "best kept secret." Multiple reviewers describe it as peaceful and not too busy compared to more famous northern Michigan lakes. The shoreline isn't overdeveloped, and the lake's location away from major highways keeps casual traffic low.
Are there campgrounds on Hubbard Lake?
Yes. Hubbard Lake Sands Resort offers camping directly on the lake, and there are several cottage resorts (West Wind Cottages, Bay View Resort) with waterfront access. The Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve is also nearby for those looking for a quieter outdoor experience.
Is there a fee to launch a boat on Hubbard Lake?
The public launches on Hubbard Lake are managed by the townships and DNR. There's no specific launch fee mentioned in reviews, but having a Michigan Recreation Passport on your vehicle registration is recommended for access to state-managed launch sites.
Are there marinas on Hubbard Lake?
Yes — Hubbard Lake Marine and Viking Marine both serve the lake, along with Hubbard Lake Marina. These provide boat service, storage, and supplies so you don't have to drive far for what you need on the water.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Hubbard Lake covers 8,850 acres in Alcona County — seven miles long, two miles wide, and up to 97.5 feet deep with an average depth of 32.6 feet. That makes it one of the largest inland lakes in northern Lower Michigan and deep enough for real thermal stratification. The deeper basins hold cold-water species — reviewers report catching walleye, whitefish, perch, and even salmon near Sucker Creek — while the shallower shoreline areas produce bass and panfish. The water is notably clean and clear, and multiple reviewers describe it as one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan.

The lake spans three townships (Caledonia, Alcona, and Hawes) and has three public launches, all well-reviewed with a combined 4.8 Google rating. The north end park at Caledonia Township is a standout — paved ramp, clean restrooms, a pavilion, playground, swim area, and a wood swing overlooking the lake. Multiple marinas serve the lake, and several resorts and cottages line the shore. This is a generational lake for many families — the reviews are full of people who've been coming since childhood — and it still has that "best kept secret" reputation despite its size. Not overdeveloped, not overcrowded, but with enough infrastructure to launch and fish comfortably.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment