| Hubbard Lake provides boundless
opportunity for just about any water activity - boating, fishing, water
skiing, swimming, personal watercraft operation, kayaking (especially in
the morning) and canoeing. With three streams feeding the lake, Comstock
(West Branch River) at the south end, Sucker on the east side and Holcomb
off of East Bay, the opportunity for wildlife viewing is endless, especially
for bird watching.
MacNeill, who with another
DNR conservation officer spend hundreds of hours on the lake each summer,
said birders don't really need a boat to mark birds off of their list.
They can use the public access sites to look for bald eagles, loons, Canada
geese and many varieties of ducks and other water birds. On the three streams
that feed the lake and along the lower south branch of the Thunder Bay
River at the north end, a variety of wildlife and birds can be seen especially
when it is quiet in the morning and evening hours. White tailed deer, black
bear, beaver, muskrat, and other mammals are abundant in the area.
Water clarity is one of the
nicest features of the lake. "The water clarity is incredible," MacNeill
said. "The constant turnover of water makes it very clear." According to
the DNR Status of the Fishery Resource Report on Hubbard Lake completed
in 2006 by fisheries management biologists Tim Cwalinski and Steven Sendek,
the lake drains "approximately 93,440 acres and has a flush rate of nearly
four years." Which means the water in Hubbard Lake turns over every four
years.
Anglers enjoy fishing on
Hubbard Lake because they can catch smallmouth bass, walleye, northern
pike, yellow perch, rock bass pumpkinseed and bullheads, suckers and gar.
There are also small numbers of lake trout, whitefish and cisco, according
to the DNR resource report.
The warmer months aren't
the only seasons where fishing is good. Hubbard lake is a destination for
ice fishing as well. "I don't think you could go a day without finding
someone fishing on Hubbard Lake," MacNeill said.
The Hubbard Lake Sportsman
and Improvement Association spends a lot of time and effort ensuring that
the fishing on Hubbard Lake continues to thrive by building and placing
brush shelters in the lake to provide cover for walleye and other fish.
"You know they work because (anglers) will mark them on their GPS and fish
around them," MacNeill said.
The setting around Hubbard
Lake is residential and there is a variety of businesses that cater to
residents and visitors alike. The community of Hubbard Lake is located
at the north end of the lake near the township boat launch site. A general
store, restaurant, real estate offices, tavern and other businesses offer
a range of goods and services to the area. On the south end, there is also
a party store, restaurant and golf course.
Three volunteer fire departments
provide service to the residents in the area and are trained to protect
this natural resource from oil spills, and other forms of contamination
that may occur. "It's hard to find three fire departments that cover one
lake that care about this lake like they do
they care about the entire
community," MacNeill said.
Residents and visitors alike
who spend time on the lake feel an affinity toward this immense and diverse
natural resource. It is a treasure they enjoy and find reverence in. They
encourage all visitors to respect the lake and its property owners when
they spend time on and around Hubbard Lake.
(Editor's Note: We would
like to thank DNR Conservation Officer Warren MacNeill for his time and
expertise navigating the waters of Hubbard Lake. His knowledge and skill
were very helpful and appreciated.) |
Walleye, smallmouth bass,
northern pike, yellow
perch, rock bass and pumpkinseed
bring anglers
from all over the state
to Hubbard Lake.
Mornings on Hubbard Lake
offer scenic sunrises, tranquil
moments and calm waters
for kayaking.
Sailing on Hubbard Lake
is just one of the many outoor
recreational opportunities
available during the summer months.
Playing on the water is
a popular recreation pastime in and
around Alcona County. Whether
it is Lake Huron, the AuSable&
River or Hubbard Lake (this
photo) water sports enthusiasts will
enjoy their summer up north.
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