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

📍 Michigan

Clare County offers 19 fishable inland lakes and 14 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 1,528 stocking events in Clare County, releasing over 17,897,145 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Muskegon River, Shamrock Lake and Tobacco River.

19
Lakes
98
Fish species
14
Boat launches
1,528
DNR stocking events
17,897,145
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Clare County

See all 19 lakes →
Muskegon River 961 stocking events Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Muskellunge +4 more
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Shamrock Lake 68 stocking events Black Crappie, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnow +3 more
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Tobacco River 64 stocking events Brown Trout
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Lake George 63 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass +4 more
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Budd Lake 61 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge +4 more
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Little Long Lake 60 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Fathead Minnow +5 more
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🐟 Fish Species

98 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 19 lakes Brook Stickleback 19 lakes Central Mudminnow 19 lakes Common Shiner 19 lakes Emerald Shiner 19 lakes Fathead Minnow 19 lakes Finescale Dace 19 lakes Golden Redhorse 19 lakes Lake Chub 19 lakes Least Darter 19 lakes Longnose Sucker 19 lakes Mimic Shiner 19 lakes +86 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Clare County, Michigan?

Clare County waters hold 98 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 Clare County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Clare County with 554 stocking events and 7,769,226 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Walleye, Brook Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Clare County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Clare County are Muskegon River, Shamrock Lake and Tobacco River. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Clare County at /lakes/county/clare.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Clare County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,528 stocking events in Clare County, releasing over 17,897,145 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Clare County?

Yes, Clare County has 14 public boat launches on record, including Arnold Lake, Clam River and Cranberry 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 Clare County, Michigan?

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