Michigan DNR advises the public, especially anglers, of unsafe ice conditions below Sanford Dam

Anglers are advised to not fish immediately below the Sanford Dam in Midland County due to construction work occurring on the dam, which has the potential to change water currents, destabilize the ice and alter water conditions.

The Sanford Dam is located on the Tittabawassee River approximately 11 miles upstream of Midland. Construction is being organized by the Four Lakes Task Force to stabilize the dam after the damage caused by the May 2020 flood and dam breach. The stabilized dam will be safer and send less sediment downstream. The stabilization project will continue through June 2022. When Sanford Dam is fully rebuilt, there will be another construction period during which anglers could be advised of dangerous conditions.

Anglers are reminded to make sure they are prepared for winter weather. Take a few minutes to review our ice safety tips at Michigan.gov/IceSafety before heading out on the ice.