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Iron County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Iron County offers 95 fishable inland lakes and 24 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 1,568 stocking events in Iron County, releasing over 28,822,127 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include East Branch Ontonagon River, Chicagon Lake and Golden Lake.

95
Lakes
102
Fish species
24
Boat launches
1,568
DNR stocking events
28,822,127
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Iron County

See all 95 lakes →
East Branch Ontonagon River 178 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Lake Sturgeon +4 more
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Chicagon Lake 131 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Herring, Lake Trout, Muskellunge +4 more
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Golden Lake 117 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Rainbow Smelt +3 more
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Forest Lake 80 stocking events Brook Trout, Common Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass +3 more
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Norway Lake 66 stocking events Brook Trout, Walleye
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Iron River 62 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout +1 more
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🐟 Fish Species

102 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 95 lakes Brook Stickleback 95 lakes Central Mudminnow 95 lakes Common Shiner 95 lakes Emerald Shiner 95 lakes Fathead Minnow 95 lakes Finescale Dace 95 lakes Golden Redhorse 95 lakes Kiyi 95 lakes Lake Chub 95 lakes Longnose Sucker 95 lakes Mimic Shiner 95 lakes +90 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Iron County, Michigan?

Iron County waters hold 102 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 Iron County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Iron County with 446 stocking events and 17,983,237 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Iron County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Iron County are East Branch Ontonagon River, Chicagon Lake and Golden Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Iron County at /lakes/county/iron.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Iron County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,568 stocking events in Iron County, releasing over 28,822,127 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Iron County?

Yes, Iron County has 24 public boat launches on record, including Bewabic State Park, Cable Lake and Camp 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 Iron County, Michigan?

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