Big Fish Lake, Lapeer County, MI: Depth Map, Fishing & Water Quality

Today on the lake

Updated 9 Oct 2026, 3:20 am EDT. Get alerts for Big Fish Lake

WEATHEROvernight: clear, 42°F, wind WSW 5 mph. Friday: sunny, 67°F, wind WSW 3 to 7 mph.

WARNINGSNo weather or fire warnings in effect.

FIRENo wildfires or prescribed burns reported within 25 miles.

BURNINGCampfires and debris burning: check today's status with Michigan DNR.

ALGAEToo small for satellite monitoring (under 1 km²). No bloom reports on record with Michigan DHHS.

LAUNCHESBig Fish Lake: listed open. Michigan DNR record updated 3 Apr 2026.

National Weather Service; National Interagency Fire Center; U.S. EPA CyAN satellite; Michigan DHHS; Michigan DNR. Weather, warnings, fires and satellite refresh when you open the page (checked at most hourly).

Depth map

8 contours, 5 to 60 ft

0510152030405060feet

Michigan DNR survey, fetched 7 Oct 2026. Not for navigation.

Size and depth

85 acres · deepest 60 ft (measured) · shoreline about 2.1 mi · clarity about 12 ft

Big Fish Lake is the 9th largest of the 69 named lakes of 10 acres or more in Lapeer County. By Michigan DNR survey it is the 2nd deepest of the 15 with a measured depth. Its water is clearer than 45 of the other 60 lakes in the county with satellite clarity readings. Its shoreline measures about 2.1 miles along the state outline. About 34% of its area is deeper than 20 ft.

Ranks against Lapeer County lakes in Michigan hydrography, Michigan DNR lake surveys and Michigan EGLE satellite clarity; shoreline measured from the state outline. How we measure

Getting on the water

1 public access site on Big Fish Lake.

Big Fish Lake · Ortonville State Recreation Area · Open

2 ramp lanes · 20 trailer spaces · vault toilet · accessible restroom · Recreation Passport required

Local boating rules, Lapeer County

Michigan DNR boating access, fetched 7 Oct 2026.

Fishing

Michigan DNR has stocked Big Fish Lake 14 times since 1979. The most recent stocking was 2,500 brown trout on 7 April 1993. Species stocked: brown trout, rainbow trout.

14 stockings, 1979 to 1993, log scale

Latest: 7 Apr 1993: 2,500 brown trout.

7 Apr 1993STOCKED2,500 brown trout

29 Apr 1992STOCKED2,490 brown trout

23 May 1991STOCKED2,300 brown trout

12 Apr 1990STOCKED2,500 brown trout

20 Apr 1989STOCKED3,000 brown trout

14 May 1987STOCKED2,380 brown trout

Source: Michigan DNR Fisheries, fetched 7 Oct 2026. How we measure

Where the deep water is

Show water deeper than

Measured from Michigan DNR contours. How we measure

Water quality

Average water clarity is about 12 ft (Secchi depth 3.7 m, satellite readings 2018–23).

Clarity 12.0 ft of 60 ft

Michigan EGLE satellite clarity, fetched 7 Oct 2026.

Nearby lakes with measured depth

Davison Lake67 ft deep · 0.8 mi · Lapeer County

Mud Lake (lower)25 ft deep · 1.1 mi · Lapeer County

Mud Lake (upper)28 ft deep · 1.4 mi · Lapeer County

Lake Louise38 ft deep · 4.8 mi · Oakland County

Bald Eagle Lake25 ft deep · 5.2 mi · Oakland County

Shinanguag Lake35 ft deep · 5.3 mi · Genesee County

Michigan DNR survey; straight-line miles.

Common questions

How deep is Big Fish Lake?

Big Fish Lake is 60 feet at its deepest point, measured by Michigan DNR survey. It covers 85 acres.

Is there a public boat launch on Big Fish Lake?

Yes. 1 public access site is listed: Big Fish Lake.

Is Big Fish Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. Michigan DNR has stocked it 14 times since 1979, most recently 2,500 brown trout on 7 April 1993.

How much of Big Fish Lake is deeper than 10 feet?

About 66% of the lake's area is deeper than 10 feet, measured from Michigan DNR depth contours.