← All Counties

Calhoun County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Calhoun County offers 17 fishable inland lakes and 14 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 465 stocking events in Calhoun County, releasing over 667,505 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Rice Creek, Nottawa River and Battle Creek River.

17
Lakes
91
Fish species
14
Boat launches
465
DNR stocking events
667,505
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Calhoun County

See all 17 lakes →
Rice Creek 247 stocking events Brown Trout
→
Nottawa River 108 stocking events Brown Trout
→
Battle Creek River 51 stocking events Brown Trout, Channel Catfish
→
Seven Mile Creek 49 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout
→
Nottawa Lake 4 stocking events Channel Catfish, Walleye
→
Wabascon Lake 3 stocking events Northern Pike
→

🐟 Fish Species

91 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 17 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 17 lakes Central Mudminnow 17 lakes Common Shiner 17 lakes Emerald Shiner 17 lakes Fathead Minnow 17 lakes Ghost Shiner 17 lakes Golden Redhorse 17 lakes Lake Chubsucker 17 lakes Mimic Shiner 17 lakes Pugnose Minnow 17 lakes Redfin Shiner 17 lakes +79 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Calhoun County, Michigan?

Calhoun County waters hold 91 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 Calhoun County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Calhoun County with 402 stocking events and 526,103 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Channel Catfish, Brook Trout, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Calhoun County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Calhoun County are Rice Creek, Nottawa River and Battle Creek River. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Calhoun County at /lakes/county/calhoun.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Calhoun County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 465 stocking events in Calhoun County, releasing over 667,505 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Calhoun County?

Yes, Calhoun County has 14 public boat launches on record, including Ackley Lake, Curry Park and Duck 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 Calhoun County, Michigan?

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