Clinton County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Clinton County offers 2 fishable inland lakes and 9 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Channel Catfish and Common Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 879 stocking events in Clinton County, releasing over 77,065,971 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Grand River and Lake Ovid.

Lakes

Fish species

Boat launches

879

DNR stocking events

77,065,971

Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Clinton County

See all 2 lakes →

Grand River 836 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +8 more

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Lake Ovid 43 stocking events Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Redear Sunfish

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🐟 Fish Species

93 species total

Blackstripe Topminnow 2 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 2 lakes Central Mudminnow 2 lakes Channel Catfish 2 lakes Common Shiner 2 lakes Emerald Shiner 2 lakes Fathead Minnow 2 lakes Ghost Shiner 2 lakes Golden Redhorse 2 lakes Lake Chubsucker 2 lakes Largemouth Bass 2 lakes Mimic Shiner 2 lakes +81 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Clinton County, Michigan?

Clinton County waters hold 93 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Channel Catfish, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner. Species presence is based on Michigan DNR stocking records and lake survey data.

What is the most stocked fish in Clinton County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Coho Salmon is the most actively stocked species in Clinton County with 285 stocking events and 12,866,439 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Clinton County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Clinton County are Grand River and Lake Ovid. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Clinton County at /lakes/county/clinton.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Clinton County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 879 stocking events in Clinton County, releasing over 77,065,971 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Clinton County?

Yes, Clinton County has 9 public boat launches on record, including French Road, Looking Glass River and Maple Rapids Road, 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 Clinton County, Michigan?

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