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Houghton County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Houghton County offers 8 fishable inland lakes and 13 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow and Common Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 512 stocking events in Houghton County, releasing over 2,015,234 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Clear Lake, Lake Roland and Lake Perrault.

8
Lakes
51
Fish species
13
Boat launches
512
DNR stocking events
2,015,234
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Houghton County

See all 8 lakes →
Clear Lake 248 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Hybrid Sunfish +10 more
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Lake Roland 66 stocking events Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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Lake Perrault 54 stocking events Brook Trout
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Penegor Lake 51 stocking events Arctic grayling, Brook Trout
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Emily Lake 46 stocking events Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Lake On Three 44 stocking events Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

51 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 8 lakes Brook Silverside 8 lakes Brook Stickleback 8 lakes Central Mudminnow 8 lakes Common Shiner 8 lakes Emerald Shiner 8 lakes Fathead Minnow 8 lakes Finescale Dace 8 lakes Golden Redhorse 8 lakes Golden Shiner 8 lakes Goldfish 8 lakes Kiyi 8 lakes +39 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Houghton County, Michigan?

Houghton County waters hold 51 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Brook Stickleback, 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 Houghton County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brook Trout is the most actively stocked species in Houghton County with 226 stocking events and 379,973 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Splake, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Houghton County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Houghton County are Clear Lake, Lake Roland and Lake Perrault. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Houghton County at /lakes/county/houghton.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Houghton County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 512 stocking events in Houghton County, releasing over 2,015,234 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Houghton County?

Yes, Houghton County has 13 public boat launches on record, including Bootjack, Boston Pond and Clear 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 Houghton County, Michigan?

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