HomeMichiganGladwin County

Wiggins Lake

Gladwin County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Wiggins Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Wiggins Lake
Wiggins Lake Boat Launch
Clare Field Office · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 18 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Fish Species
Walleye
DNR Fish Stocking History
Walleye 43,870 stocked
Recent Stocking Events (2020–2025)
Date Species Number Avg. Size
6/27/2024 Walleye (Muskegon) 4,074 1.69"
6/25/2024 Walleye (Muskegon) 13,176 1.77"
6/22/2022 Walleye (Muskegon) 26,620 1.5"
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database · Search all stocking records →
Connected Waterways

Wiggins Lake has small culverts and inflows from surrounding wetlands, which contribute to its tannic water color. It sits within the broader Tittabawassee River watershed in Gladwin County.

Winter & Ice Safety

Wiggins Lake's smaller size and location in central Michigan mean it typically freezes reliably in winter, making ice fishing a possibility. Always check local ice conditions — tannic-stained water can absorb more sunlight and affect freeze consistency near inflows.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Wiggins Lake?
Largemouth bass are the primary catch — anglers report fish up to 17 inches. The lake also holds panfish. The shallow areas and small culverts around the shoreline provide good habitat. Deeper spots exist too, but most reviewers report better luck working the shallows and structure.
Is Wiggins Lake a no-wake lake?
Yes, Wiggins Lake is a no-wake zone. That means no high-speed boating, waterskiing, or tubing. It's ideal for kayaks, canoes, small fishing boats, and pontoons cruising at idle speed.
Is there a public boat launch on Wiggins Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch with a well-built dock, gravel parking for 15–20 vehicles, a porta potty, and a picnic area. The ramp has good depth and is easy to use. It carries a 4.5-star Google rating from 63 reviews.
Can you swim in Wiggins Lake?
Yes, there's a beach area at Wiggins Lake. The water is on the brown/tannic side — not murky, just naturally stained from the surrounding watershed — but reviewers describe it as refreshing.
Where is Wiggins Lake?
Wiggins Lake is in Gladwin County in central Michigan, near the city of Gladwin. It's roughly a two-hour drive north of Lansing or Flint.
Are there campgrounds near Wiggins Lake?
Several campgrounds are nearby, including Gladwin City Park, Gladwin Park & CampGround, Northern Sites Campground, and River Valley RV Park. Most are a short drive from the lake.
Is Wiggins Lake busy?
It can get busy on summer weekends, especially in the middle of the lake. Weekdays are noticeably quieter. The no-wake rule keeps things calmer than most lakes even when there's traffic. The culverts and side areas offer peaceful spots away from crowds.
Is there a fee to launch at Wiggins Lake?
Reviews don't mention a launch fee, suggesting it's a free public access site. There's no indication a state recreation passport or daily fee is required.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Wiggins Lake is a smaller, quiet lake in Gladwin County — a no-wake zone that keeps things peaceful for fishing, kayaking, and general relaxation. The water runs on the tannic/brown side, typical of lakes in this part of central Michigan fed by nearby wetlands and streams. Largemouth bass are the main draw — 17-inchers have been pulled out — along with panfish working the shallows and culverts around the shoreline. The single public launch is well-maintained with a dock, gravel parking for 15–20 vehicles, porta potty, and a picnic area. Weekdays are the move if you want the lake mostly to yourself.

Several campgrounds sit within a short drive, including Gladwin City Park and Northern Sites Campground, making it easy to pair a Wiggins Lake trip with a weekend stay. The no-wake designation keeps boat traffic mellow, so it's a solid pick for canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats rather than ski boats or pontoons looking to open up. Reviewers consistently praise the launch quality relative to the lake's size — it punches above its weight for access infrastructure.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment