We hope you enjoyed an epic season of riding the trails in Gaylord, Michigan this past winter! With over 200 record-breaking inches of snowfall, there was no shortage of fresh powder. While Gaylord is renowned for its exhilarating snowmobile trails during the winter, the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts away. In fact, Gaylord transforms into a vibrant outdoor playground in the summer, offering activities that cater to adventure seekers who aren’t afraid to get wet. Now that you’ve experienced Gaylord as the ultimate winter wonderland, it’s time to switch gears and appreciate all we have to offer as a water wonderland!
While we may not have the big water found in coastal communities, Gaylord has more than its fair share of water. With over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of five major rivers, our county is an angling, paddling and boating paradise.
Your Fishing Hotspots
There’s no shortage of water to explore when it comes to fishing in Gaylord – our county is a mecca for anglers seeking to reel in their catch of the day. Otsego Lake, stretching along Old 27 South for five miles, is the largest lake in our county and a favorite destination for serious anglers in search of trophy-sized fish. From pike, walleye, bass and robust panfish, these waters teem with life.
While also a hotspot for swimmers, tubers and sunbathers, many don’t realize the living fossils you’ll find just beneath the surface. That’s right, we’re talking about the elusive lake sturgeon. These behemoths were originally stocked in Otsego Lake in the 1980s and have called it home ever since. Fun fact: while you won’t always pull in a beast, lake sturgeon can grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds!
Another enticing spot to cast a line is Heart Lake, known for producing perch, largemouth bass and rainbow trout that will give you a fight. Small but mighty, Heart Lake is only 63 acres in size but reaches depths of 117 feet, making it the deepest body of water in our county. You won’t need to go far to find dark water, as the drop-off rests shortly past the boat launch.
If you’re limited on time, enticing angling opportunities can be found just minutes from downtown Gaylord at Dixon Lake and Big Lake. The public access sites at both lakes feature paved parking, restroom facilities and well-maintained docks to launch your vessel. Venture out a bit further and you’ll find a fisherman’s paradise at Opal Lake, Big Bear Lake and Big Bradford Lake, just to name a few.
On the River
Along with our endless array of lakes, the Gaylord area is home to the headwaters of five rivers full of the north’s famous trout. Headwaters for the Manistee, Black, Sturgeon, Pigeon and AuSable Rivers all flow from Gaylord. Take a short drive in any direction and you’ll find rivers teeming with trout for eager anglers.
For those seeking expert guidance on the rivers of northern Michigan, White Pine Guide Service offers professional fishing expeditions led by US Coast Guard Captain Dakota Mack. Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned veteran, Dakota’s years of guiding experience and expertise ensure an unforgettable fishing experience on our waterways. Contact Dakota at 989-906-2505 or learn more at www.whitepineguideservice.com.
Make Waves
Whether you want to just dip your paddle to create a ripple or go high octane and make waves, Gaylord’s waterways welcome you to dive in!
You’ll see the full summer assortment of watersports on sprawling Otsego Lake, where there’s enough water for jet skis and speedboats to share the fun with fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards. Drop your vessel in at the Otsego Lake State Park or Otsego Lake County Park.
Another noteworthy option is Thumb Lake, just north of Gaylord. Covering 484 acres, this enticing lake has plenty of room for boating enthusiasts to the west side and sunbathers to the east.
Paddlers will appreciate peaceful shorelines to explore with an abundance of wildlife. Opal Lake, known for its namesake turquoise waters, features a picturesque, uninhabited island to circle around. Big Chub Lake is a kayaker’s dream come true with a small channel that connects you to a series of other small lakes. Keep an eye peeled for bald eagles that frequent the area.
If you’d rather let the water do the work, visit Sturgeon River Paddlesports in Wolverine or Big Bear Adventures in Indian River. Get your crew to embark on a rafting or kayaking adventure along the swift, cool waters of the Sturgeon River and make epic summer memories. Better yet, pick a hot day and cool off with an effortless tubing trip. www.sturgeonriverpaddle.com;
bigbearadventures.com.
Find full descriptions of our lakes and rivers at www.gaylordmichigan.net.
Stock Up for Adventure
Before you embark on your water adventure, stop by Jay’s Sporting Goods for all your fishing, paddling and outdoor equipment needs. With a huge selection of recreational items and knowledgeable staff, Jay’s has everything you need to make the most of your time. Visit Jay’s just south of downtown Gaylord at 1151 South Otsego Avenue or www.jayssportinggoods.com.
You don’t have to haul your own gear to head out into Gaylord’s great wild. Recreational rentals include fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards and rafts. A full list of equipment rentals is available at www.gaylordmichigan.net.
While we all have a special fondness for winter in Gaylord, we know you’ll find the same enthusiasm for our warm weather offerings. Sit back and relax on a pontoon, make waves on a jet ski or cast your line in the evening sun – the options are endless when you explore our water wonderland. •
