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

📍 Michigan

Grand Traverse County offers 16 fishable inland lakes and 3 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 961 stocking events in Grand Traverse County, releasing over 40,341,414 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Long Lake, Silver Lake and Boardman River (below Union St. Dam). Notable waters by size include Long Lake (1,410 ac) and Arbutus Lake (510 ac).

16
Lakes
113
Fish species
3
Boat launches
961
DNR stocking events
40,341,414
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Grand Traverse County

See all 16 lakes →
Long Lake 1,410 ac  ·  303 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish +12 more
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Silver Lake 165 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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Boardman River (below Union St. Dam) 162 stocking events Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Sturgeon +1 more
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Sand Lake #1 106 stocking events Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Muskellunge, Northern Pike +3 more
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Green Lake 97 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +2 more
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Bass Lake (Long Lake Township) 93 stocking events Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout +2 more
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 16 lakes Brook Stickleback 16 lakes Central Mudminnow 16 lakes Common Shiner 16 lakes Emerald Shiner 16 lakes Fathead Minnow 16 lakes Finescale Dace 16 lakes Golden Redhorse 16 lakes Lake Chub 16 lakes Least Darter 16 lakes Longnose Sucker 16 lakes Mimic Shiner 16 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?

Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Grand Traverse County with 312 stocking events and 33,793,577 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Coho Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Grand Traverse County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Grand Traverse County are Long Lake, Silver Lake and Boardman River (below Union St. Dam). These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Grand Traverse County at /lakes/county/grand-traverse.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Grand Traverse County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 961 stocking events in Grand Traverse County, releasing over 40,341,414 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Grand Traverse County?

Yes, Grand Traverse County has 3 public boat launches on record, including Arbutus Lake TART Access, Long Lake Grand Traverse Launch and Long Lake Township Launch. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan — including Grand Traverse 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.