Home › Michigan › Mason County

Ford Lake

Mason County, Michigan Fresh water Reservoir Connected Water
182.2 acres30 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Ford Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Ford Lake
Ford Lake Boat Launch
Baldwin Field Office (PRD) · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 6 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Ford Lake is an impoundment of the Huron River, created by the Ford Lake Dam built in the early 1930s. The Huron River flows in from the west (upstream from Ann Arbor) and continues east below the dam toward Belleville Lake, another Huron River reservoir, before eventually reaching Lake Erie. The lake is part of a chain of reservoirs Henry Ford built along the Huron River to power small manufacturing plants.

Winter & Ice Safety

At 30 feet max depth with mostly shallower water, Ford Lake freezes reliably most Michigan winters. Ice fishing is possible, though it gets less attention than the open-water bass fishery. Always check ice thickness — reservoir currents near the dam and any inflow areas can create thin spots.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Ford Lake?
Ford Lake is approximately 1,000 acres, stretching about three miles along the Huron River corridor in Washtenaw County. Maximum depth is 30 feet. It's a man-made reservoir created by the Ford Lake Dam in the early 1930s.
What fish are in Ford Lake?
Largemouth bass are the headline catch — locals describe the lake as a hidden gem for bass fishing, with fish hitting hard in weedy cover. Smallmouth bass and walleye are also present. Panfish and other warm-water species round out the fishery. Bass tournaments run on Sundays.
Is there a fee to launch a boat at Ford Lake?
Yes. Daily launch fees are around $8, or you can buy a $20 annual pass. The annual pass is valid from Memorial Day to Labor Day — there's no entrance fee outside that window. If you buy the annual pass, do it right after Memorial Day to get the most use out of it.
Can you swim in Ford Lake?
Yes, there's a beach and picnic area. The lake does experience algae blooms during warm months, which some visitors find off-putting. Water clarity varies through the season — reviewers report better conditions in years when the dam's water release schedule keeps algae in check.
Where is Ford Lake?
Ford Lake is in Washtenaw County near Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, roughly 35 miles west of Detroit. It's easily accessible from I-94 and US-23, making it one of the closest all-sports lakes to Metro Detroit.
Can you eat fish from Ford Lake?
Opinions are mixed among anglers. Some locals eat fish from the lake regularly; others avoid it. As a Huron River reservoir near developed areas, it's smart to check the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services fish consumption advisories before keeping anything.
Is Ford Lake good for kayaking?
Yes. The lake's elongated shape along the Huron River corridor makes for a pleasant paddle, and it's generally calm. You can launch kayaks from the public access. Be aware of powerboat and jet ski traffic on busy summer weekends.
Are there campgrounds on Ford Lake?
Ford Lake Cottages is located nearby. The lake is more of an urban/suburban recreation spot than a wilderness camping destination, but the surrounding parks offer picnic areas, walking trails, and exercise stations.
How deep is Ford Lake?
Maximum depth is 30 feet. Much of the lake is shallower — multiple reviewers report hitting submerged objects with boat props, so use caution and keep your speed reasonable, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Is there a walking trail around Ford Lake?
Yes. A paved trail loops the lake with exercise stations along the route. It's popular for jogging, dog walking, and birdwatching. Reviewers note it's a longer walk — plan accordingly if you have young kids.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Ford Lake is a 1,000-acre reservoir on the Huron River in Washtenaw County, created in the early 1930s when Henry Ford built a dam as part of his "village industries" project. The lake stretches roughly three miles through the Ypsilanti area with a maximum depth of 30 feet — shallow enough to be productive but deep enough to hold some structure. It's an all-sports lake sitting squarely in Metro Detroit's orbit, which means weekends get busy with powerboats, jet skis, and kayakers sharing the water.

Fishing is the real draw here. Bass anglers call it a hidden gem — largemouth hit hard in the weedy shallows, and there's a solid smallmouth and walleye population in deeper sections. Bass tournaments run on Sundays. The lake does produce algae blooms in warm months (it's a shallow, nutrient-rich reservoir — comes with the territory), and there are mixed opinions on whether fish are safe to eat, so check current MDHHS advisories. A paved trail loops the lake with exercise stations, and there's a beach/picnic area for families. The lake also serves as a competitive rowing venue — it hosted the 2025 USRowing National Championship. One launch serves the lake; expect a seasonal fee ($8 daily or $20 annual pass valid Memorial Day to Labor Day).

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

Know this lake?

Share fishing tips, seasonal patterns, or hazards to help other anglers.

Share Lake Intel →