Branch County Fishing — Lakes, Species & DNR Stocking Records | Michigan Fishing
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Branch County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Branch County offers 13 fishable inland lakes and 15 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 413 stocking events in Branch County, releasing over 10,678,163 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Union Lake, Prairie River and Matteson Lake. Notable waters by size include Coldwater Lake (1,561 ac).

13
Lakes
103
Fish species
15
Boat launches
413
DNR stocking events
10,678,163
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Branch County

See all 13 lakes →
Union Lake 118 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Lake Trout +5 more
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Prairie River 69 stocking events Brown Trout
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Matteson Lake 65 stocking events Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner +7 more
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Coldwater Lake 1,561 ac  ·  64 stocking events Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
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Cary Lake 49 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish
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Gilead Lake 31 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish
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🐟 Fish Species

103 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 13 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 13 lakes Central Mudminnow 13 lakes Common Shiner 13 lakes Emerald Shiner 13 lakes Fathead Minnow 13 lakes Ghost Shiner 13 lakes Golden Redhorse 13 lakes Lake Chubsucker 13 lakes Mimic Shiner 13 lakes Pugnose Minnow 13 lakes Redfin Shiner 13 lakes +91 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Branch County, Michigan?

Branch County waters hold 103 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 Branch County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Branch County with 153 stocking events and 8,050,583 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish.

What are the best fishing lakes in Branch County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Branch County are Union Lake, Prairie River and Matteson Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Branch County at /lakes/county/branch.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Branch County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 413 stocking events in Branch County, releasing over 10,678,163 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Branch County?

Yes, Branch County has 15 public boat launches on record, including Cary Lake, Coldwater Lake and Coldwater Lake State Park Launch, 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 Branch County, Michigan?

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