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Cass County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Cass County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 16 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 623 stocking events in Cass County, releasing over 12,082,115 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Dowagiac River, Dowagiac Creek and Hemlock Lake. Notable waters by size include Magician Lake (755 ac).

10
Lakes
107
Fish species
16
Boat launches
623
DNR stocking events
12,082,115
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Cass County

See all 10 lakes →
Dowagiac River 164 stocking events Brown Trout
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Dowagiac Creek 132 stocking events Brown Trout
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Hemlock Lake 106 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout +2 more
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Birch Lake 62 stocking events Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch
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Harwood Lake 55 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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Diamond Lake 49 stocking events Bluegill, Fathead Minnow, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge +2 more
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🐟 Fish Species

107 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 10 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 10 lakes Central Mudminnow 10 lakes Common Shiner 10 lakes Emerald Shiner 10 lakes Fathead Minnow 10 lakes Ghost Shiner 10 lakes Golden Redhorse 10 lakes Lake Chubsucker 10 lakes Mimic Shiner 10 lakes Pugnose Minnow 10 lakes Redfin Shiner 10 lakes +95 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Cass County, Michigan?

Cass County waters hold 107 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 Cass County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Cass County with 298 stocking events and 667,531 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Brook Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Cass County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Cass County are Dowagiac River, Dowagiac Creek and Hemlock Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Cass County at /lakes/county/cass.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Cass County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 623 stocking events in Cass County, releasing over 12,082,115 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Cass County?

Yes, Cass County has 16 public boat launches on record, including Chain Lake, Corey Lake and Curtis 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 Cass County, Michigan?

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