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Emmet County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Emmet County offers 17 fishable inland lakes and 11 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 393 stocking events in Emmet County, releasing over 4,174,297 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Bear River (below dam in Petoskey), Crooked Lake and Round Lake. Notable waters by size include Wycamp Lake (709 ac) and Crooked Lake (650 ac).

17
Lakes
113
Fish species
11
Boat launches
393
DNR stocking events
4,174,297
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Emmet County

See all 17 lakes →
Bear River (below dam in Petoskey) 162 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Crooked Lake 650 ac  ·  109 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Hybrid Sunfish +6 more
→
Round Lake 78 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Muskellunge, Walleye
→
Carp Lake River 24 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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Maple River 20 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Walleye
→

🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 17 lakes Brook Stickleback 17 lakes Central Mudminnow 17 lakes Common Shiner 17 lakes Emerald Shiner 17 lakes Fathead Minnow 17 lakes Finescale Dace 17 lakes Golden Redhorse 17 lakes Lake Chub 17 lakes Least Darter 17 lakes Longnose Sucker 17 lakes Mimic Shiner 17 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Emmet County, Michigan?

Emmet County waters hold 113 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 Emmet County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Emmet County with 108 stocking events and 2,922,945 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Emmet County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Emmet County are Bear River (below dam in Petoskey), Crooked Lake and Round Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Emmet County at /lakes/county/emmet.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Emmet County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 393 stocking events in Emmet County, releasing over 4,174,297 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Emmet County?

Yes, Emmet County has 11 public boat launches on record, including Crooked Lake, Crooked Lake Access and Cross Village, 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 Emmet County, Michigan?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan, including Emmet 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.