Alcona County offers 26 fishable inland lakes and 7 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 277 stocking events in Alcona County, releasing over 2,160,137 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include O'Brien Lake, Reid Lake and South Hoist Lake.
Alcona County waters hold 108 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner and Fathead Minnow. Species presence is based on Michigan DNR stocking records and lake survey data.
According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Alcona County with 121 stocking events and 82,682 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike.
Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Alcona County are O'Brien Lake, Reid Lake and South Hoist Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Alcona County at /lakes/county/alcona.
Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 277 stocking events in Alcona County, releasing over 2,160,137 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.
Yes, Alcona County has 7 public boat launches on record, including Alcona Park West Campground, Black River Mouth and East Bay Hubbard Lake, and more. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.
Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan — including Alcona County — must have a valid Michigan fishing license issued by the Michigan DNR. Licenses are available at DNR License Centers, many sporting goods stores, and online at michigan.gov/dnr. Residents and non-residents have different license fees. Some waters may also have special regulations, so check the current DNR Fishing Guide before heading out.