Fletcher Pond sits on the Thunder Bay River, which flows in from the west and exits through the Alpena Power Company's hydroelectric dam on its way to the city of Alpena and ultimately Lake Huron. The reservoir was specifically created to store water for that downstream power plant, so water levels can fluctuate based on power generation needs.
Fletcher Pond's shallow depth means it freezes reliably and is a popular ice fishing destination. The submerged stumps that define summer fishing create structure that holds fish through winter too. Standard ice safety precautions apply — check thickness early and late in the season.
How big is Fletcher Pond?
Is Fletcher Pond safe to boat on?
Is there a boat launch on Fletcher Pond?
Are there campgrounds on Fletcher Pond?
Where is Fletcher Pond?
Why is Fletcher Pond so shallow and stumpy?
Fletcher Pond is a 9,000-acre reservoir in Alpena County created in 1931 when a dam blocked the Thunder Bay River to supply water for the Alpena Power Company's hydroelectric plant. Before impoundment, this was cedar forest — and those submerged stumps and logs are still down there, defining the lake's character decades later. The water is shallow throughout, with visibility that lets you see the hazards below, and reviews consistently warn boaters to trim motors high and go slow. It's not a lake for big boats or speed; it's a fishing lake, full stop.
The stumps and structure that make navigation tricky are exactly what make Fletcher Pond productive — bass and northern pike use the endless cover, and panfish (especially oversized bluegill) hold in the weeds. Pike fishing in May gets particular praise, and bass anglers who work the structure with live bait rather than lures tend to do best. Ice fishing is popular here too, as the shallow water freezes reliably. Multiple campgrounds and landings ring the pond — Jack's Landing, Fletcher's Landing, Killion's Landing, and GoodTimes Family Campground among them — giving it a classic northeast Michigan fish-camp feel. Just one public boat launch serves the whole 9,000 acres, so weekends can get busy at the ramp.