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Benzie County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Benzie County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 26 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 1,175 stocking events in Benzie County, releasing over 64,292,135 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Platte River, Betsie River and Crystal Lake. Notable waters by size include Crystal Lake (9,854 ac) and Lake Ann (176 ac).

10
Lakes
112
Fish species
26
Boat launches
1,175
DNR stocking events
64,292,135
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Benzie County

See all 10 lakes →
Platte River 477 stocking events Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
→
Betsie River 320 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Crystal Lake 9,854 ac  ·  290 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout +6 more
→
Platte Lake 25 stocking events Brown Trout, Walleye
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Upper Herring Lake 23 stocking events Walleye
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Lower Herring Lake 20 stocking events Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

112 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 10 lakes Brook Stickleback 10 lakes Central Mudminnow 10 lakes Common Shiner 10 lakes Emerald Shiner 10 lakes Fathead Minnow 10 lakes Finescale Dace 10 lakes Golden Redhorse 10 lakes Lake Chub 10 lakes Least Darter 10 lakes Longnose Sucker 10 lakes Mimic Shiner 10 lakes +100 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Benzie County, Michigan?

Benzie County waters hold 112 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 Benzie County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Coho Salmon is the most actively stocked species in Benzie County with 447 stocking events and 37,820,120 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Benzie County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Benzie County are Platte River, Betsie River and Crystal Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Benzie County at /lakes/county/benzie.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Benzie County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,175 stocking events in Benzie County, releasing over 64,292,135 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Benzie County?

Yes, Benzie County has 26 public boat launches on record, including Beulah Waterfront Launch -- Crystal Lake, Brooks Lake and Crystal 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 Benzie County, Michigan?

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