← Otsego County

Big Bradford Lake

πŸ“ Otsego County, Michigan

Big Bradford Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

36
Fish species
1
Boat launches
βœ“
Public access
Conditions today D 44/100 Below-average Last stocked Jun 10, 2025 Walleye, 1.4 years ago Keeper size (estimated) Walleye Stocked fish likely at keeper size by now Access 1 boat launch Public access

πŸ“Š Fishing Conditions

The fishing conditions score rates how favorable Big Bradford Lake looks for the day you pick (today by default), from 0 to 100. It adds up five things: how recently the lake was stocked, the moon phase, the season, how many game and panfish species live here (such as bluegill, largemouth bass and northern pike), and the size of the lake. It does not include the weather forecast. The cards below show how many points each factor contributed.

D
44/100
Monday, November 2, 2026
Conditions score

Below-average, consider a different lake or time of day.

🎣 Stocking
Last stocked Jun 10, 2025
Last: Jun 10, 2025
πŸŒ— Moon Phase
Last Quarter
Feeding bonus
πŸƒ Season
Late Fall: fish fattening up
November
🐟 Species
9 game/panfish species: outstanding variety
Game & panfish
πŸ“ Lake Size
Size unknown
Surface area

Fishing Tips for Big Bradford Lake Today

Fall fish at Big Bradford Lake are feeding heavily before winter. Match the forage: shad, crawfish, and perch patterns work well.

πŸ“Š Fishing Pressure

Fishing pressure is our estimate of how busy Big Bradford Lake is likely to be today. It looks at the day of the week, the time of year, and whether the lake has been stocked recently, because fresh stockings tend to draw anglers. Lower pressure usually means more room to work the water for bluegill, largemouth bass and northern pike.

Very Low estimated pressure today
Popular stocking lake

Very little activity expected. A great time to have the lake to yourself.

Estimate based on day of week, season, and recent stocking. Not a live crowd count.

🐟 Fish Species in Big Bradford Lake

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πŸ“… Best Time to Fish Big Bradford Lake

Combined bite activity across all 36 species in this lake.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

πŸ“ Fishing Regulations

Statewide general rules for the species found here. Individual waters can have exceptions (special size limits, closed seasons, trout lake types), so check this lake's listing in the official DNR Fishing Guide before heading out.
SpeciesMin sizeDaily limit
BluegillNone25 sunfish combined
Largemouth Bass14"5 bass combined
Northern Pike24"2
Rainbow Trout8" (most inland lakes)5 trout, max 3 over 15"
Smallmouth Bass14"5 bass combined
Walleye15"5
Yellow PerchNone25
Rock BassNone25 sunfish combined
πŸ“… Stocking Timeline 5-year history
4 Stocking events
52,285 Fish stocked
1 Species
510d Since last stock
1102d Longest gap
Walleye 52,285
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Today
Qty / event
Jun '18
Jun '21
Jun '23
Jun '25

πŸ“‹ Big Bradford Lake Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity Size
Jun 10, 2025 Walleye 9,317 1.5"
Jun 8, 2023 Walleye 14,968 1.3"
Jun 17, 2021 Walleye 8,000 1.5"
Jun 11, 2018 Walleye 20,000 1.2"
Jun 8, 2016 Walleye 10,230 1.4"
Jun 16, 2014 Walleye 9,033 1.6"
Jun 4, 2012 Walleye 12,280 1.5"
Apr 24, 2001 Rainbow Trout 3,000 6.8"
May 11, 2000 Rainbow Trout 3,000 6.6"
Apr 13, 1999 Rainbow Trout 2,900 6.4"
Apr 22, 1981 Rainbow Trout 5,000 6.3"
May 12, 1980 Rainbow Trout 5,000 7.6"
May 22, 1979 Rainbow Trout 5,000 6.1"

* Records shown are from our database. For the most current data, visit the Michigan DNR directly.

πŸ“… Stocking Forecast

Based on 13 historical stocking events at this lake. Next likely stocking window: Apr.
Peak Stocking Months
Jun Apr May
Most Stocked Species
Walleye Rainbow Trout

* Forecast is based on historical DNR data and is not a guarantee of future stocking.

βš“ Big Bradford Lake Boat Launches (1)

One public access site is listed for Big Bradford Lake. Select a launch for details. Details come from the Michigan DNR boating access data and can change, so check posted signs on site. See all Otsego County boat launches.

Big Bradford Lake Gravel ramp Fee required 1 trailer lane 8 parking
Amenities
Vault toilet, AIS signage
Hours
04:00-23:00
Phone
989-732-5485
Record updated
September 2026
Full details πŸ—Ί Directions

πŸ’‘ Angler Tips for Big Bradford Lake

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🌀 Current Big Bradford Lake Weather Conditions

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