Lake Lancer is part of a network of interconnected lakes within the Sugar Springs resort community in Gladwin County. Secord Lake, another impoundment on the Tittabawassee River system, is nearby with its own marina. The small cuts and channels between the lakes create a miniature chain that's fun to explore by pontoon.
Lake Lancer freezes in winter and ice fishing is a regular activity for the Sugar Springs community. As with any lake, check ice thickness before venturing out — man-made lakes with varying depths and inflows can have inconsistent ice, especially early and late in the season.
Is there a fee to launch a boat on Lake Lancer?
How is the boat launch on Lake Lancer?
Is Lake Lancer good for swimming?
Where is Lake Lancer in Michigan?
Is Lake Lancer crowded?
Are there campgrounds near Lake Lancer?
Is Lake Lancer a natural lake?
Lake Lancer is a man-made lake in Gladwin County, part of the Sugar Springs resort community — a network of interconnected lakes that includes nearby Secord Lake. It's a warm-water lake with a vegetated shoreline and plenty of cuts and coves to explore, which makes it solid habitat for bass and pike. The lake gets busy on weekends with recreational boaters, tubers, and wake boarders, so serious anglers tend to fish weekdays or early mornings. Locals recommend fishing before the annual weed spraying in early June for the best action.
The public boat launch carries a $10 daily parking fee ($45 annual pass, cash only) — worth knowing before you show up. The ramp itself is short and notably shallow, with reviewers warning that the concrete drops off onto boulders, so it's really only suited for smaller boats and pontoons. There's apparently free access on another side of the lake, but the main launch has decent parking on non-weekend days. Sugar Springs has a golf course restaurant nearby, and several campgrounds are within easy reach, including House Lake and Trout Lake state forest campgrounds.