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Crawford County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Crawford County offers 32 fishable inland lakes and 25 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 2,477 stocking events in Crawford County, releasing over 42,365,327 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Manistee River, Au Sable River and Shupac Lake.

32
Lakes
99
Fish species
25
Boat launches
2,477
DNR stocking events
42,365,327
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Crawford County

See all 32 lakes →
Manistee River 1,185 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +6 more
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Au Sable River 923 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon +6 more
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Shupac Lake 70 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Shupac Lake 70 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Kneff Lake 50 stocking events Arctic grayling, Rainbow Trout
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Bright Lake 48 stocking events Hybrid Sunfish, Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

99 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 32 lakes Brook Stickleback 32 lakes Central Mudminnow 32 lakes Common Shiner 32 lakes Emerald Shiner 32 lakes Fathead Minnow 32 lakes Finescale Dace 32 lakes Golden Redhorse 32 lakes Lake Chub 32 lakes Least Darter 32 lakes Longnose Sucker 32 lakes Mimic Shiner 32 lakes +87 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Crawford County, Michigan?

Crawford County waters hold 99 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 Crawford County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Crawford County with 1,217 stocking events and 16,361,601 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Crawford County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Crawford County are Manistee River, Au Sable River and Shupac Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Crawford County at /lakes/county/crawford.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Crawford County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 2,477 stocking events in Crawford County, releasing over 42,365,327 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Crawford County?

Yes, Crawford County has 25 public boat launches on record, including Au Sable River SFCG, Bluegill Lake and Bright 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 Crawford County, Michigan?

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