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Bay County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Bay County offers 4 fishable inland lakes and 10 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Carp, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 58 stocking events in Bay County, releasing over 3,511,593 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in September 2024. The most actively stocked waters include Tittabawassee River, Saginaw Bay and Pinconning.

4
Lakes
93
Fish species
10
Boat launches
58
DNR stocking events
3,511,593
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Bay County

See all 4 lakes →
Tittabawassee River 38 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Coho Salmon +5 more
→
Saginaw Bay 11 stocking events Walleye
→
Pinconning 6 stocking events Walleye
→
Saginaw River 3 stocking events Northern Pike, Walleye
→

🐟 Fish Species

93 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 4 lakes Central Mudminnow 4 lakes Common Carp 4 lakes Common Shiner 4 lakes Emerald Shiner 4 lakes Fathead Minnow 4 lakes Golden Redhorse 4 lakes Mimic Shiner 4 lakes Sand Shiner 4 lakes Shorthead Redhorse 4 lakes Spotfin Shiner 4 lakes Spottail Shiner 4 lakes +81 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Bay County, Michigan?

Bay County waters hold 93 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Carp, 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 Bay County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Bay County with 20 stocking events and 2,902,180 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Lake Sturgeon, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Bay County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Bay County are Tittabawassee River, Saginaw Bay and Pinconning. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Bay County at /lakes/county/bay.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Bay County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 58 stocking events in Bay County, releasing over 3,511,593 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in September 2024.

Are there public boat launches in Bay County?

Yes, Bay County has 10 public boat launches on record, including Coggins Road, Finn Road Park and Independence County Park, 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 Bay County, Michigan?

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