Kim Sturgis | Gladwin County MI REALTOR®

Gladwin County is home to a handful of lakes and river stretches that give local anglers plenty of variety, from easygoing panfish days to serious pike and walleye trips. If you’re getting to know the area, here’s a general lake-by-lake look at what each spot is known for and the kind of fishing it offers.

Secord Lake

Secord is one of the larger lakes in the county and a popular all-around choice. It has a reputation as a productive warm-water lake, generally known for species like bass, pike, and panfish. It isn’t the deepest or clearest lake in the area, but multiple public access points make it easy to reach, and fishing pressure tends to be manageable, which makes it a popular pick for families and casual anglers. For a current, verified species list and any stocking details, check Michigan DNR information for Secord Lake. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the more productive windows.

Trout Lake

Trout Lake is a smaller lake in the county that receives trout stocking, including rainbow and brown trout. Despite the name, it’s most popular locally for largemouth bass and bluegill rather than as a dedicated trout fishery. It tends to be a quieter, lower-key spot compared to the county’s bigger lakes. As always, check current Michigan DNR information for the latest on stocking and species before you head out.

Pratt Lake

Pratt Lake is smaller than Secord, but it makes up for it with deeper water. It has a general reputation as a solid fishing lake, with anglers targeting species like walleye, bass, pike, and panfish. As with the county’s other lakes, check current Michigan DNR information for a verified species list before you go. Pratt also tends to see less boat traffic than the county’s other lakes, which often means a quieter day on the water.

River Fishing Near Gladwin

The river sections running through Gladwin County offer a different experience than the lakes. Upper sections tend to hold trout, while the lower stretches closer to town are better suited to smallmouth bass, pike, and crappie. Some stretches run shallow enough to catch paddleboards or larger boats off guard, so it’s worth scouting ahead or checking with a local bait shop on conditions before you launch.

Seasonal Notes

Fishing here is a year-round activity. Spring and fall tend to bring cooler water and more active fish, while the height of summer can push fish into deeper water during the middle of the day, making early morning and evening trips more productive. Winter brings solid ice fishing for species like perch, bluegill, and pike. Seasons and limits vary by species and by lake, so it’s worth checking Michigan’s current fishing regulations before you head out, especially if you plan to keep what you catch.

General Fishing Tips

• Match the hatch. Use lures and bait that resemble what’s actually living in the lake you’re fishing, and ask at a local bait shop what’s been working lately.
• Time your trips. Early morning and evening tend to outperform the middle of the day, especially once summer heats up.
• Learn the structure. Fish relate to drop-offs, weed beds, and rock piles. A basic depth finder can help you find them.
• Ask around. Staff at local bait and tackle shops fish these waters regularly and are usually happy to point you toward what’s biting.

Licenses and Access

Before you head out, make sure you have a current Michigan fishing license, available online or at most bait and tackle shops in the county. Not every lake has a public launch, and parking can be limited in places, so it’s worth planning your access point ahead of time. Regulations, including seasons and catch limits, are worth double-checking before your trip since they can change from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Gladwin County’s lakes?

Not necessarily. Anglers with basic skills and a sense of what species they’re after can usually do fine on their own. A guide can still be worthwhile for a first trip, and local bait shops are a good resource for connecting with one.

Can I fish year-round?

Michigan allows year-round fishing for most species, and ice fishing is popular locally once lakes freeze over. Rules vary by season and species, so check current Michigan regulations before you go.

Are there catch-and-release rules?

Some lakes and species carry specific rules about what you can keep versus release. Always check current regulations for the lake and species you’re targeting, since these can change.

Thinking About Life on the Water?

Gladwin County’s lakes and rivers are a big part of what makes this area special, and plenty of residents choose to live here specifically for that access to the water. If the idea of walking down to your own dock instead of hauling gear to a public launch appeals to you, Kim Sturgis, a Gladwin County REALTOR, can help you explore waterfront and lake-access properties throughout the area.

Helpful links

• Gladwin MI Homes for Sale
• Gladwin County Waterfront Homes
• Wixom Lake Homes for Sale
• Secord Lake Homes for Sale
• Smallwood Lake Homes for Sale
• Sugar Springs Homes for Sale
• Gladwin County Hunting Land
• Gladwin County Real Estate Guide
• Sell My Home in Gladwin
• What Is My Gladwin Home Worth?

Kim Sturgis Top Gladwin MI Realtor | Brokered By RE/MAX River Haven Quick Facts

• Location: Gladwin, Michigan
• Primary service area: Gladwin County and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities
• Brokerage: RE/MAX River Haven
• Real estate career: Since 2011
• Specialties: Lake homes, waterfront property, residential homes, cabins, vacant land, hunting land, and rural acreage
• Local background: Gladwin County resident since childhood
• Phone: 989-387-4728
• Website: KimSturgisRealtor.com

About Kim Sturgis

Kim Sturgis is a Gladwin County REALTOR® with RE/MAX River Haven. She has lived in Gladwin County since childhood and has worked in real estate since 2011. Kim helps buyers and sellers with residential homes, lake homes, waterfront property, cabins, vacant land, hunting land, rural acreage, and recreational property. She combines practical real estate experience with meaningful local knowledge to help clients make informed decisions.