Kim Sturgis | Gladwin County MI REALTOR®

Here’s the straight answer: Wixom Lake isn’t a fishing destination anymore. The lake that once offered over 84 miles of shoreline was destroyed in May 2020 when two dams failed. If you were hoping to fish there or buy waterfront property on Wixom Lake, you’ll need a new plan. The good news? Gladwin County has plenty of other excellent fishing lakes and waterfront opportunities waiting for you.

Honest take: Northern Michigan acreage keeps showing up in our research, and for good reason.

What Happened to Wixom Lake?

Wixom Lake was a Michigan reservoir created back in 1925. For nearly a century, it was a solid fishing spot in Gladwin County with a real community around it. But in May 2020, the Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam both failed during heavy rainfall and flooding. The lake drained completely.

Related: Wixom Lake Boat Launch: Your Complete Local Guide

Related: Secord Lake Fishing: What to Catch in Gladwin County

This wasn’t just a fishing loss. Families who owned waterfront homes lost their lakefront property value overnight. The dam failure was a big deal for the whole region. If you’re researching Wixom Lake because you own property there or are thinking about buying, you need to understand this history before making any moves.

Related: Wixom Lake Water Levels 2026: What You Need to Know

Wixom Lake Fishing Species (Historical)

Before the lake disappeared, anglers targeted several game fish species:

• Largemouth bass
• Northern pike
• Walleye
• Channel catfish
• Crappie
• Bluegill and sunfish
• Rock bass
• Muskie (occasional)

The lake was known for decent bass fishing and pike action, especially for anglers who knew the deeper channels and structure. That history matters if you’re wondering why the lake was so popular before 2020.

Can You Fish Wixom Lake Now?

No. The lake no longer exists as a body of water. There’s no fishing possible at the original Wixom Lake location. The area where the lake was is now mostly empty land and riverbed.

If you searched “Wixom Lake fishing” hoping to plan a trip, you’re going to be disappointed. But don’t give up on fishing in Gladwin County yet. There are solid alternatives nearby that offer similar species and good fishing opportunities.

Better Fishing Lakes Near Wixom Lake

Gladwin County has other lakes worth your time. Here are your best bets:

Secord Lake is probably your closest option. It’s a decent-sized lake with walleye, pike, and bass. If you’re interested in buying waterfront property, Secord Lake homes for sale are worth checking out.

Smallwood Lake offers good fishing for bass, pike, and panfish. It’s smaller and quieter than some of the bigger lakes, which some anglers prefer. Smallwood Lake homes for sale occasionally come available if you want to live on the water.

Houghton Lake is bigger and busier, but it’s a real fishing destination with walleye tournaments and strong populations of pike and bass. It’s about 30 minutes from where Wixom Lake was.

Sanford Lake actually replaced some of what Wixom Lake offered. It formed in the same area after the dam failure and now has developing fishing populations.

What About Wixom Lake Waterfront Property?

This is where things get complicated. Homes that were on Wixom Lake before 2020 lost their waterfront status and value when the lake drained. If you owned one of those properties, you experienced a significant financial hit. Real estate is tied to water access and views, so losing the lake meant losing that premium.

If you’re looking to buy waterfront property in Gladwin County now, focus on the lakes that still exist and have stable water levels. Gladwin County waterfront homes are available on lakes that won’t disappear tomorrow.

For anyone considering real estate around former Wixom Lake properties, work with someone who understands the local history and what happened. Northern Michigan recreational property can walk you through the specifics of buying or selling in this area.

Michigan Dam Failures and What They Mean for Property Owners

The Wixom Lake situation wasn’t isolated. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, dam safety is an ongoing concern across the state. Older dams built in the early 1900s sometimes don’t hold up to modern rainfall patterns.

If you’re buying waterfront property anywhere in Michigan, it’s smart to ask about dam history and the long-term stability of the lake. Water levels should be reliable, and the dam infrastructure needs to be solid.

Where to Find Fishing and Waterfront Opportunities Instead

If you came looking for Wixom Lake fishing but you’re still interested in the Gladwin area, here’s what to do:

First, decide if you want to fish or buy property (or both). Fishing destinations and waterfront real estate don’t always line up perfectly.

For fishing, focus on lakes with good access, current fish populations, and stable conditions. Houghton Lake and the smaller lakes like Secord and Smallwood are solid choices.

For waterfront property, look for lakes that have been stable for decades and have good community support. Check with homes for sale in Gladwin Michigan if you want current listings and real insights about specific lakes in Gladwin County.

People Also Ask

Why did Wixom Lake disappear?

Two dams (Edenville and Sanford) failed during extreme flooding in May 2020. The Edenville Dam, built in 1924, wasn’t maintained well enough to handle the water pressure. When it failed, it triggered the failure of the downstream Sanford Dam, and both lakes drained completely.

Can you still access Wixom Lake property?

Yes, the land exists, but it’s no longer a lake. Former waterfront properties are now regular residential or vacant land. The value changed dramatically after the lake drained. If you own former Wixom Lake waterfront property, talk to a local realtor about current market conditions and your options.

Is it safe to buy property near where Wixom Lake was?

Yes, but understand the history. The lakes in the area formed by the failed dams won’t be the same as the original Wixom Lake. Research dam safety, water stability, and local conditions before buying. A realtor familiar with Gladwin County can help you navigate these details.

What’s the best alternative lake for fishing near Gladwin?

Houghton Lake is the closest large fishing destination. For smaller, quieter lakes, Secord Lake and Smallwood Lake are good options. Sanford Lake is also developing as a fishing spot. It depends on what species you want to target and how much activity you prefer.

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, REALTOR® | RE/MAX River Haven | Northern Michigan Real Estate 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 REALTOR® with RE/MAX River Haven, serving buyers and sellers across Gladwin County and surrounding Northern Michigan communities. A Gladwin County resident since childhood and a real estate professional since 2011, Kim helps clients with residential homes, waterfront property, cabins, vacant land, hunting land, acreage, and recreational property. Her practical real estate experience and deep local knowledge help clients make confident, well-informed decisions.