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Charlevoix County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Charlevoix County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 21 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 727 stocking events in Charlevoix County, releasing over 19,824,083 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake and Deer Lake. Notable waters by size include Charlevoix Lake (17,260 ac) and Walloon Lake (4,250 ac).

10
Lakes
111
Fish species
21
Boat launches
727
DNR stocking events
19,824,083
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Charlevoix County

See all 10 lakes →
Lake Charlevoix 258 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +1 more
→
Walloon Lake 4,250 ac  ·  219 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Fathead Minnow +6 more
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Deer Lake 100 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Lake Trout +3 more
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Boyne River (above P. H. Dam) 82 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Sixmile Lake 45 stocking events Golden Shiner, Walleye, Yellow Perch
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Lake Geneserath 19 stocking events Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

111 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 +99 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Charlevoix County, Michigan?

Charlevoix County waters hold 111 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 Charlevoix County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Charlevoix County with 230 stocking events and 1,832,059 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Brown Trout, Lake Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Charlevoix County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Charlevoix County are Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake and Deer Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Charlevoix County at /lakes/county/charlevoix.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Charlevoix County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 727 stocking events in Charlevoix County, releasing over 19,824,083 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Charlevoix County?

Yes, Charlevoix County has 21 public boat launches on record, including Adams Lake, Alba Road and Boyne City, 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 Charlevoix County, Michigan?

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