Upper Peninsula Power Company announced Monday that Prickett Lake will undergo a planned drawdown during the 2026 recreational season to support infrastructure maintenance at the Prickett Dam and Powerhouse.
The drawdown will be conducted in two phases.
The first phase has already been completed as part of the annual winter drawdown; however, unlike normal operations, Prickett Lake will not be refilled during spring runoff. As a result, boat launch access may be difficult or impossible following ice-out and spring runoff.
The second phase of the drawdown will begin on June 15, 2026, when the reservoir will be lowered an additional six feet over the course of two weeks. Construction work is scheduled to begin on July
“We are asking the public to be aware of this abnormal condition at Prickett Lake,” said Dan Freeborn, Manager of Communications and External Affairs. “The water level will be significantly lower for the season and will limit the public DNR boat launch to carry-in access only for the 2026 recreational season. We also want to make anyone that may be portaging upstream on the Sturgeon River aware of the impact, as portaging through the reservoir may be significantly affected.”
Construction activities are expected to take place between July 1 and October 1, 2026. Prickett Lake will remain drawn down for the duration of the project. Access to the campground located near the Prickett Lake Boat Launch will remain open throughout the construction period. UPPCO reminds the public to use caution when recreating near hydroelectric facilities and to obey all posted warning signs.
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