The lake is well known for Musky fishing (including spearing in the Winter), which the Michigan DNRE planted in the lake some 20 years ago. The village of Sanford has a fishing platform within the village limits on the southern edge of the lake near the dam. Another popular fishing spot is at the Sanford dam, on the Tittabawassee River.
The following is a list of fish that have been caught in the lake by the president of the Sanford Lake Association, Jeff Menz: ( Obviously an avid fisherman! )
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- White Bass
- Northern Pike
- Carp
- Bullhead
- Channel Catfish
- Yellow Perch
- Walleye
- Bowfin
- Rock Bass
- Sunfish
- White Sucker
- Northern Musky
| Fishing at the Lake |  Jeff Menz Big Catch |  Sanford Dam |  Fishing Platform In The Winter |