| Budd Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location map | |
| Location | Clare County, Michigan |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2,300 m (1.4 mi) |
| Max. width | 400 m (0.25 mi) |
| Surface area | 175 acres (0.7 km2) |
| Settlements | Harrison |
Budd Lake is a 175-acre (0.7 km2) lake in Clare County, in the central region of Michigan's lower peninsula. Wilson State Park borders the lake to the northwest.
A popular lake for anglers seeking muskies, it offers two boat ramps.[1]
The Michigan DNR announced on May 17, 2007 that Budd became the first inland lake in the state of Michigan confirmed to be infected by a new strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).[2] The DNR analyzed fish specimens after a very large die-off that began on April 30, 2007 of muskies, bluegills, and black crappie. VHS is an infectious fish disease responsible for mass die-offs of many species, but not linked to any human health concerns.[3] The disease can be spread between bodies of water through live or frozen bait fish, roe, contaminated fishing equipment, live water wells in boats, and ballast water, among other ways. Boats and fishing equipment should be disinfected before transfer from Budd Lake to other destinations. The virus is not known to be a danger to humans or pets. A local organization known as the Budd Lake Area Association (BLAA) with the special interest of promoting water quality and safe use and enjoyment of the lake has for several years requested that the DNR provide proof to the public that the virus actually did exist in this lake. Nearly, four years after the initial request, the DNR released its study indicating that the virus was not actually found, but that the fish inspected by the DNR displayed signs of the illness.
Budd Lake is well known to have an abundance of healthy fish including the elusive Muskie, a fisherman favorite that can reach sizes in excess of 40 inches. In addition, the water quality is rigorously managed and the lake is home to Wilson State Park, a picturesque State Park noted for its beautiful trees and close vicinity to the city of Harrison and all of its amenities.