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Barry County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Barry County offers 12 fishable inland lakes and 33 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 620 stocking events in Barry County, releasing over 6,377,219 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in November 2025. The most actively stocked waters include Coldwater River, Gun Lake and Thornapple Lake. Notable waters by size include Gun Lake (2,680 ac) and Thornapple Lake (1,037 ac).

12
Lakes
101
Fish species
33
Boat launches
620
DNR stocking events
6,377,219
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Barry County

See all 12 lakes →
Coldwater River 329 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Gun Lake 2,680 ac  ·  121 stocking events Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
→
Thornapple Lake 1,037 ac  ·  90 stocking events Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
→
Deep Lake 64 stocking events Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout
→
Thornapple River 9 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
→
Lower Crooked Lake 6 stocking events Bluegill, Muskellunge
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🐟 Fish Species

101 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 12 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 12 lakes Central Mudminnow 12 lakes Common Shiner 12 lakes Emerald Shiner 12 lakes Fathead Minnow 12 lakes Ghost Shiner 12 lakes Golden Redhorse 12 lakes Lake Chubsucker 12 lakes Mimic Shiner 12 lakes Pugnose Minnow 12 lakes Redfin Shiner 12 lakes +89 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Barry County, Michigan?

Barry County waters hold 101 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, 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 Barry County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Barry County with 300 stocking events and 705,136 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Barry County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Barry County are Coldwater River, Gun Lake and Thornapple Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Barry County at /lakes/county/barry.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Barry County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 620 stocking events in Barry County, releasing over 6,377,219 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in November 2025.

Are there public boat launches in Barry County?

Yes, Barry County has 33 public boat launches on record, including Airport Road, Baker Lake and Bassett Lake, 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 Barry County, Michigan?

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