Fletcher Pond Boat Launch

Fletcher Pond was made by flooding old cedar forest back in the '30s, and those logs are still down there. The water's surprisingly clear so you can see them, but they'll snag lures and ding a lower unit if you're not careful. Keep your speed down and your motor trimmed up — this is not a lake for running wide open.

Don't let the 9,000 acres fool you — this pond is shallow across most of its footprint. You really don't need a big deep-V out here. Honestly, the 20-foot-plus boats that show up are overkill and just make the ramp more of a hassle for everyone. A 14-16 foot aluminum is perfect.

The ridged concrete makes a real difference when pulling a wet trailer out, especially compared to the slick slabs you'll find at other Northeast Michigan launches. Two lanes, good condition, and 48 trailer spots means you're not fighting for space on a typical weekend morning.

Ice fishing is big here, and the parking area stays accessible through winter, though the lot boundaries get hard to read under snow. Trash from ice shanty season piles up, so don't be surprised by a messy scene in late February. Bring a bag for your own stuff.

Fletcher Pond is one of those spots that flies under the radar because it's tucked between Alpena and Atlanta with nothing major nearby. That's exactly why it's good — the fishing pressure stays manageable even in peak summer compared to Hubbard Lake or Long Lake. Panfish and pike are the main draw, and they deliver.