HomeMichiganLapeer County

Big Fish Lake

Lapeer County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
86.2 acres60 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Big Fish Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Big Fish Lake
Big Fish Lake Boat Launch
Metamora Hadley State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 2 lanes, 20 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Big Fish Lake is located in Lapeer County in the Flint River watershed. Specific inflows and outflows are not well-documented, but the lake sits in the rolling terrain between Metamora-Hadley and Ortonville recreation areas.

Winter & Ice Safety

Big Fish Lake is a smaller lake in southern Michigan that appears to freeze reliably. The public launch is plowed in winter specifically for ice fishing access, and reviewers praise the snow removal. Always check current ice conditions before heading out.

Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Big Fish Lake sits in Lapeer County between the small communities of Lapeer and Metamora — a compact lake that's been a local swimming and boating spot for generations. Despite the ambitious name, fishing reviews are mixed at best; this is more of a casual recreation lake than a serious fishing destination. The single public launch is well-maintained with a picnic area attached, and reviewers note solid winter upkeep including snow removal for ice fishing access.

The surrounding area offers decent options for a day trip — Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area and Ortonville Recreation Area are both close by with campgrounds, trails, and swim beaches. Long-time residents have deep nostalgia for Big Fish Lake as a childhood swimming and waterskiing spot, though some note the swim area has been scaled back over the years in favor of boat access. It's a small, clean lake with a neighborhood feel — good for a quiet afternoon on the water, not a destination fishery.

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