Craft & Seasonality
✗
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✗
Jet Ski / PWC ✗
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampCarry-in only, 0 lanes
Trailer Parking0 spots · asphalt
Vehicle-Only4 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
AccessibilityAccessible pier, parking, restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Carry-Down Only
There's no ramp here — not even a makeshift one. You're hauling a kayak, canoe, or float tube down to the water's edge. Forget anything trailered. The shoreline access isn't formally defined, so scout a decent entry point before you commit.
Old Mine Pit Magic
This is a flooded mine pit, not a natural pond, and the water shows it — crystal clear with visibility that can hit 50 feet. Depths drop fast, reportedly past 100 feet in spots. The cold, clear water holds rainbow trout, and you can literally see them cruising if the light is right.
Floating Pier Fishing
The main attraction for most people is the floating fishing pier. It's wheelchair accessible and a solid spot to toss a line for trout, especially mornings when they're feeding on the surface. Fly fishing works well here. Don't expect nonstop action — patience pays off.
No Crowds, Ever
Zero trailer spots, zero lanes, middle of Iron County — you're not fighting anyone for space. Even on summer weekends it's just a handful of people fishing or walking the trail loop around the pond. It's more of a hidden gem than a destination launch.
Scuba Diving Draw
The extreme clarity and depth make this a legit scuba destination. Water temps drop into the 40s below about 50 feet even in summer. If you're hauling dive gear, be ready for a bit of a schlep to the water since there's no improved access point.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Fortune Pond →