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Berrien County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Berrien County offers 11 fishable inland lakes and 10 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 911 stocking events in Berrien County, releasing over 6,244,840 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Paw Paw River, South Branch Galien River and Pipestone Creek.

11
Lakes
113
Fish species
10
Boat launches
911
DNR stocking events
6,244,840
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Berrien County

See all 11 lakes →
Paw Paw River 355 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout +1 more
→
South Branch Galien River 266 stocking events Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +1 more
→
Pipestone Creek 103 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Blue Creek 77 stocking events Brown Trout
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Brandywine Creek 63 stocking events Brown Trout
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Singer Lake 47 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 11 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 11 lakes Central Mudminnow 11 lakes Common Shiner 11 lakes Emerald Shiner 11 lakes Fathead Minnow 11 lakes Ghost Shiner 11 lakes Golden Redhorse 11 lakes Lake Chubsucker 11 lakes Mimic Shiner 11 lakes Pugnose Minnow 11 lakes Redfin Shiner 11 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Berrien County, Michigan?

Berrien County waters hold 113 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 Berrien County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Berrien County with 642 stocking events and 1,328,266 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Berrien County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Berrien County are Paw Paw River, South Branch Galien River and Pipestone Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Berrien County at /lakes/county/berrien.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Berrien County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 911 stocking events in Berrien County, releasing over 6,244,840 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Berrien County?

Yes, Berrien County has 10 public boat launches on record, including Benton Harbor, Black Lake and Buchanan, 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 Berrien County, Michigan?

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