Impoundment

Hardy Dam Pond

Newaygo County, Michigan

Hardy Dam Pond is a large impoundment on the Muskegon River in Newaygo and Mecosta counties. It is known for walleye, smallmouth bass and perch, with a mostly undeveloped shoreline.

Air temp Loading current temperature…

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Hardy Dam Pond (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area3,971 acres

Max depth100 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Walleye●●●●●

Abundant with natural reproduction, but slow growth

Smallmouth Bass●●●●○

Popular tournament water

Yellow Perch●●●●○

Heavily fished year-round

Northern Pike●●●○○

Healthy numbers

Largemouth Bass●●●○○

Increasing in numbers

Muskellunge●●○○○

Anglers report more of them; DNR plans stocking

Boat launches

6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

US-131 boat launch (MDNR)Ramp
Public boat launchDirections ↗
Hardy Dam County MarinaMarina
Boat launch and slipsDirections ↗
Newaygo State ParkPublic
State park on the pondDirections ↗
Big Bend ParkPublic
Township park accessDirections ↗
Davis Bridge ParkPublic
Mecosta County parkDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See the Michigan DNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Hardy Dam Pond are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Michigan Department of Natural Resources ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.

Search more bait shops near Hardy Dam Pond ↗

Local tips

Expect a drawdown some years; check pond level before you go.
The pond is over 100 feet deep near the dam, so fish the shallower upper end for bass.
Blue-green algae blooms can occur in summer; check water advisories.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Michigan lakes

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.