Hamlin Lake is a man-made lake which has been enlarged by the backup of the Big Sable River, compliments of the Hamlin Lake Dam, shortly before the river empties into Lake Michigan.

The lake, which covers 5,350 acres, is 12 miles long and two miles wide. It is made up of two sections, the upper and lower lakes, which are connected by a narrow strip of water commonly referred to by locals as “the narrows.”

The lower lake has a maximum depth of approximately 80 feet while the upper lake bottoms out at nearly 35 feet.

The Ludington State Park lies along the western shore of the Hamlin Lake while the eastern tip of the lake borders the Manistee National Forest.

Expansive hardwoods and towering dunes separate the western shore from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan forming a breath-taking ecosystem filled with an abundance of wildlife including: eagles, ducks, geese, squirrels, deer, raccoons, muskrat, beavers, porcupine, and the occasional black bear.

Hamlin Lake is home to a variety of feisty gamefish including: muskie, pike, walleye, and bass. Not to mention a plethora of spunky panfish that are more than eager to dunk the bobber of both children and adults alike.

With a variety of open water drop-offs and bayous to choose from, tight lines and endless adventure await the eager angler.

The Lake is also a popular destination for swimmers and boaters alike as the water is typically much warmer than Lake Michigan.

Given the north/south orientation of the lower lake and the east/west orientation of the upper lake, there’s always a place to escape the wind and make the most of a day on the water.