Arenac County offers 5 fishable inland lakes and 6 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner and Fathead Minnow, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 269 stocking events in Arenac County, releasing over 5,915,569 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Rifle River and Saginaw Bay.
Arenac County waters hold 92 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow and Golden Redhorse. Species presence is based on Michigan DNR stocking records and lake survey data.
According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Arenac County with 136 stocking events and 345,837 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye.
Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Arenac County are Rifle River and Saginaw Bay. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Arenac County at /lakes/county/arenac.
Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 269 stocking events in Arenac County, releasing over 5,915,569 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.
Yes, Arenac County has 6 public boat launches on record, including Au Gres River Mouth, Moffatt Bridge and Omer, 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 Arenac 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.