Muskellunge Stocked · 14 plants · last November 13, 2024 Best: dawn, dusk Budd Lake fishing
Budd Lake fishing has Tiger Muskie, Muskellunge, and Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 1979, most often in August and September. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Muskellunge and dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye.
- Last stocked
- November 13, 2024
- · Muskellunge
- Plants on record
- 23
- Since 1979
- Species recorded
- 3
- Surface acres
- 175.2
Fish at Budd Lake
Around the dates Budd Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 68.4°F in August, 62.1°F in September, 70.5°F in July, 49.9°F in October. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Muskellunge Stocked · 14 plants · last November 13, 2024 Best: dawn, dusk 
Tiger Muskie Stocked · 7 plants · last August 22, 1984 Last stocked August 22, 1984 · 7 plants
Tiger Muskie species guide
Walleye Stocked · 2 plants · last June 16, 2021 Best: dawn, dusk, night Budd Lake is popular among anglers, particularly for its muskies, some of which are longer than 40 inches. Anglers also pursue bass, panfish, perch, and walleye in the lake. Dropoffs near the shore provide deep water refuge, as the lake is up to 30 feet deep. A single public boat ramp is located at the southern end of the lake. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 22, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
How Budd Lake is stocked
About 285 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Clare County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1979
800
Fish stocked in 1980
1,800
Fish stocked in 1981
2,000
Fish stocked in 1982
2,000
Fish stocked in 1983
1,500
Fish stocked in 1984
1,200
Fish stocked in 1985
809
Fish stocked in 1987
1,643
Fish stocked in 1989
772
Fish stocked in 1995
2,036
Fish stocked in 1997
285
Fish stocked in 2000
500
Fish stocked in 2003
500
Fish stocked in 2005
1,000
Fish stocked in 2009
349
Fish stocked in 2012
299
Fish stocked in 2014
263
Fish stocked in 2017
506
Fish stocked in 2018
17,736
Fish stocked in 2019
350
Fish stocked in 2021
13,398
Fish stocked in 2024
174
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 13, 2024 | Muskellunge | 174 | – | report |
| June 16, 2021 | Walleye | 13,398 | – | report |
| September 25, 2019 | Muskellunge | 350 | – | report |
| June 6, 2018 | Walleye | 17,736 | – | report |
| October 20, 2017 | Muskellunge | 506 | – | report |
| October 23, 2014 | Muskellunge | 263 | – | report |
| November 2, 2012 | Muskellunge | 299 | – | report |
| October 15, 2009 | Muskellunge | 349 | – | report |
| September 21, 2005 | Muskellunge | 1,000 | – | report |
| October 24, 2003 | Muskellunge | 500 | – | report |
| September 28, 2000 | Muskellunge | 500 | – | report |
| September 12, 1997 | Muskellunge | 285 | – | report |
| July 20, 1995 | Muskellunge | 2,036 | – | report |
| August 8, 1989 | Muskellunge | 772 | – | report |
| July 15, 1987 | Muskellunge | 1,643 | – | report |
| November 1, 1985 | Muskellunge | 809 | – | report |
| August 22, 1984 | Tiger Muskie | 1,200 | – | report |
| August 4, 1983 | Tiger Muskie | 1,500 | – | report |
| August 3, 1982 | Tiger Muskie | 2,000 | – | report |
| July 21, 1981 | Tiger Muskie | 2,000 | – | report |
| September 17, 1980 | Tiger Muskie | 1,000 | – | report |
| August 12, 1980 | Tiger Muskie | 800 | – | report |
| July 16, 1979 | Tiger Muskie | 800 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Nearest town
- Harrison
- Facilities
- camping, restrooms
Wilson State Park sits at the lake's north end with a sandy beach, campground and shoreline fishing; a sidewalk runs from the park around the whole lake. A single public boat ramp is at the lake's southern end.
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Advisories, closures, regulations and water conditions change. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you go.
About Budd Lake
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Budd Lake?
Fishing Budd Lake usually means Muskellunge: Muskellunge accounts for 14 of 23 plants on record, ahead of Tiger Muskie and one more. Muskellunge was last stocked November 13, 2024. Tiger Muskie was last stocked August 22, 1984. Walleye was last stocked June 16, 2021.
When is Budd Lake stocked?
Last stocked November 13, 2024. It is stocked about 0.5 times a year since 1979, most often in August and September. About 285 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Clare County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 24 years between 1979 and 2024.
How do you get on Budd Lake?
The nearest town is Harrison. Facilities include camping and restrooms. Wilson State Park sits at the lake's north end with a sandy beach, campground and shoreline fishing; a sidewalk runs from the park around the whole lake. A single public boat ramp is at the lake's southern end.
Which lakes near Budd Lake were stocked more recently?
Pratt Lake (12.3 mi) and Wiggins Lake (12.7 mi) were stocked more recently. Pratt Lake is also stocked with Walleye and Wiggins Lake is also stocked with Walleye.