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

📍 Michigan

Hillsdale County offers 8 fishable inland lakes and 8 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Central Mudminnow and Common Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 198 stocking events in Hillsdale County, releasing over 1,266,877 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Hemlock Lake, Bird Lake and Lake Diane.

8
Lakes
41
Fish species
8
Boat launches
198
DNR stocking events
1,266,877
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Hillsdale County

See all 8 lakes →
Hemlock Lake 111 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout +3 more
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Bird Lake 36 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish
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Lake Diane 28 stocking events Hybrid Sunfish, Muskellunge, Walleye
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Cub Lake 13 stocking events Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish, Walleye
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Baw Beese Lake 10 stocking events Muskellunge, Redear Sunfish, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

41 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 8 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 8 lakes Brook Silverside 8 lakes Central Mudminnow 8 lakes Common Shiner 8 lakes Emerald Shiner 8 lakes Fathead Minnow 8 lakes Ghost Shiner 8 lakes Golden Redhorse 8 lakes Golden Shiner 8 lakes Goldfish 8 lakes Lake Chubsucker 8 lakes +29 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Hillsdale County, Michigan?

Hillsdale County waters hold 41 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Central Mudminnow, 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 Hillsdale County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Hillsdale County with 88 stocking events and 473,101 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Brook Trout, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Hillsdale County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Hillsdale County are Hemlock Lake, Bird Lake and Lake Diane. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Hillsdale County at /lakes/county/hillsdale.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Hillsdale County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 198 stocking events in Hillsdale County, releasing over 1,266,877 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Hillsdale County?

Yes, Hillsdale County has 8 public boat launches on record, including Bear Lake, Bird Lake and Cub 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 Hillsdale County, Michigan?

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