Updated 9 Oct 2026, 3:15 am EDT. Get alerts for Sanford Lake
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Michigan DNR survey, fetched 7 Oct 2026. Not for navigation.
1,402 acres · deepest 20 ft (measured) · shoreline about 27.0 mi
Sanford Lake is the largest of the 4 named lakes of 10 acres or more in Midland County. Its shoreline measures about 27.0 miles along the state outline. About 49% of its area is deeper than 10 ft.
Ranks against Midland County lakes in Michigan hydrography, Michigan DNR lake surveys and Michigan EGLE satellite clarity; shoreline measured from the state outline. How we measure
Michigan DNR has stocked Sanford Lake 70 times since 1979. The most recent stocking was 2,497 muskellunge on 4 November 2019. Species stocked: bluegill, channel catfish, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed, walleye, yellow perch.
Latest: 4 Nov 2019: 2,497 muskellunge.
Source: Michigan DNR Fisheries, fetched 7 Oct 2026. How we measure
Measured from Michigan DNR contours. How we measure
Historically recorded species, from records through 1951: black crappie, blackside darter, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, central stoneroller, common shiner, creek chub, golden shiner, hornyhead chub, johnny darter, largemouth bass, northern logperch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, spotfin shiner, yellow perch. Historic records, not a current survey.
Michigan Fish Atlas.
Michigan DNR survey; straight-line miles.
Sanford Lake is 20 feet at its deepest point, measured by Michigan DNR survey. It covers 1,402 acres.
Yes. Michigan DNR has stocked it 70 times since 1979, most recently 2,497 muskellunge on 4 November 2019.
About 49% of the lake's area is deeper than 10 feet, measured from Michigan DNR depth contours.