Alpena County Fishing — Lakes, Species & DNR Stocking Records | Michigan Fishing
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Alpena County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Alpena County offers 12 fishable inland lakes and 9 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 768 stocking events in Alpena County, releasing over 25,285,942 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Long Lake, Thunder Bay River and Beaver Lake. Notable waters by size include Long Lake (1,300 ac).

12
Lakes
107
Fish species
9
Boat launches
768
DNR stocking events
25,285,942
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Alpena County

See all 12 lakes →
Long Lake 1,300 ac  ·  466 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +15 more
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Thunder Bay River 212 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon +3 more
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Beaver Lake 58 stocking events Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
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Lake Winyah 26 stocking events Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
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Four Mile Impoundment 5 stocking events Walleye
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Wolf Creek 1 stocking event Brook Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

107 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 12 lakes Brook Stickleback 12 lakes Central Mudminnow 12 lakes Common Shiner 12 lakes Emerald Shiner 12 lakes Fathead Minnow 12 lakes Finescale Dace 12 lakes Golden Redhorse 12 lakes Lake Chub 12 lakes Least Darter 12 lakes Longnose Sucker 12 lakes Mimic Shiner 12 lakes +95 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Alpena County, Michigan?

Alpena County waters hold 107 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.

What is the most stocked fish in Alpena County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Alpena County with 255 stocking events and 22,025,159 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Northern Pike.

What are the best fishing lakes in Alpena County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Alpena County are Long Lake, Thunder Bay River and Beaver Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Alpena County at /lakes/county/alpena.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Alpena County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 768 stocking events in Alpena County, releasing over 25,285,942 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Alpena County?

Yes, Alpena County has 9 public boat launches on record, including Alpena Marina, Beaver Lake and Devil's River, and more. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in Alpena County, Michigan?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan — including Alpena 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.