Muskellunge Stocked · 3 plants · last November 6, 2024 Best: dawn, dusk Hardy Dam Pond fishing
Hardy Dam Pond fishing is stocked with Channel Catfish and Muskellunge on a reservoir. It is stocked about 0.1 times a year since 1988, most often in September and October. Species guides list dusk and night for Channel Catfish and dawn and dusk for Muskellunge.
- Last stocked
- November 6, 2024
- · Muskellunge
- Plants on record
- 4
- Since 1988
- Species recorded
- 2
- Surface acres
- 3,150.1
Fish at Hardy Dam Pond
Muskellunge Stocked · 3 plants · last November 6, 2024 Best: dawn, dusk 
Channel Catfish Stocked · 1 plant · last September 1, 1988 Best: dusk, night How Hardy Dam Pond is stocked
About 15 reported fish per acre, the fewest of 9 lakes in Newaygo County with both a fish count and a surface area.
Fish stocked in 1988
37,460
Fish stocked in 2022
1,000
Fish stocked in 2023
3,988
Fish stocked in 2024
3,998
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 6, 2024 | Muskellunge | 3,998 | – | report |
| October 30, 2023 | Muskellunge | 3,988 | – | report |
| October 31, 2022 | Muskellunge | 1,000 | – | report |
| September 1, 1988 | Channel Catfish | 37,460 | – | report |
Access and facts
- Water type
- reservoir
- Facilities
- restrooms, camping, dock
Launches: DNR site under US-131, Davis Bridge and Brower parks, Big Bend and Oxbow parks, Newaygo State Park, Sandy Beach County Park and Hardy Dam County Marina. Shore anglers use the Consumers Energy site just below Rogers Dam and a stretch of shoreline near the Newaygo State Park channel.
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 Hardy Dam Pond
Water levels at Hardy Dam Pond can fluctuate significantly due to the dam's operation, causing wide fluctuations in water flows and reservoir levels, especially during the night when power demand is lowest. During the winter and spring runoff, the Hardy is allowed to fluctuate much more and can be drawn down up to 12 feet. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed October 5, 2026)
Drafted by AI from the cited sources and checked before publishing.
Nearest lakes
Common questions
What fish are at Hardy Dam Pond?
Fishing Hardy Dam Pond usually means Muskellunge: Muskellunge accounts for 3 of 4 plants on record, ahead of Channel Catfish. Muskellunge was last stocked November 6, 2024. Channel Catfish was last stocked September 1, 1988.
When is Hardy Dam Pond stocked?
Last stocked November 6, 2024. It is stocked about 0.1 times a year since 1988, most often in September and October. About 15 reported fish per acre, the fewest of 9 lakes in Newaygo County with both a fish count and a surface area. No plants recorded in 33 years between 1988 and 2024.
How do you get on Hardy Dam Pond?
Facilities include restrooms, camping, and dock. Launches: DNR site under US-131, Davis Bridge and Brower parks, Big Bend and Oxbow parks, Newaygo State Park, Sandy Beach County Park and Hardy Dam County Marina. Shore anglers use the Consumers Energy site just below Rogers Dam and a stretch of shoreline near the Newaygo State Park channel.
Which lakes near Hardy Dam Pond were stocked more recently?
Bills Lake (9.2 mi), Brooks Lake (11.4 mi), and Baptist Lake (12.7 mi) were stocked more recently. Brooks Lake is also stocked with Channel Catfish.