Last stocked
May 2, 1984
Plants on record
3
Since 1982
Species recorded
1
Surface acres
181.9
Access and facts
- Boat ramp
- Yes
- Facilities
- restrooms, dock
A DNR-listed public boating access site with 1 launch lane and 1 pier serves the lake. 1 toilet on site.
Sources: access , shore_notes , facilities , fishing_notes , watch_outs , angler_notes
How Ford Lake is stocked
Harper Lake (9.4 mi), Pine Lake (11.6 mi), Sand Lake (12 mi), Wolf Lake (13.9 mi), and Tippy Dam Pond (17.1 mi) were stocked more recently. Harper Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout and Sand Lake is also stocked with Rainbow Trout.
Fish at Ford Lake
Fishing Ford Lake is most likely to be for Rainbow Trout. All 3 plants on record are Rainbow Trout.
Around the dates Ford Lake is stocked, Open-Meteo's 2016-2025 archive puts mean air temperature at 56.4°F in May, 43.8°F in April. That is air temperature at these coordinates, not water temperature. Open-Meteo
Rainbow Trout 3 plants
- Plants
- 3 of 3
- Last stocked
- May 2, 1984
Fishing Ford Lake
Ford Lake is an artificial reservoir located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, covering 975 acres. Ford Lake is a recreational site for fishing. Common fish within Ford Lake include bullhead catfish, channel catfish, common carp, crappies, northern pike, smallmouth bass, suckers, sunfish, bluegill, walleye, white bass, and yellow perch. The largest fish caught in Ford Lake is a common carp recorded in the state's Master Angler Entries at 36.25 inches long.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
What to watch for
Ford Lake often experiences algal blooms late in the summer. The Washtenaw County Health Department has issued advisories in the past based on high levels of toxic cyanobacteria. Ford Lake has been identified as a site of significant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination. As of 2025, the Eat Safe Fish Guide recommends no consumption of any fish species from this lake.
What anglers say
According to the Eat Safe Fish Guide published by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as of 2025, it recommends no consumption of any fish species from this lake.
Fish stocked per year
- 10,0001982
- 10,0001983
- 9,7001984
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 9,700 | – | report |
| April 14, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | – | report |
| May 7, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | – | report |
Species stocked here
Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.