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Jackson County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Jackson County offers 16 fishable inland lakes and 11 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 174 stocking events in Jackson County, releasing over 1,046,350 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in March 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Swains Lake, Pleasant Lake and Gilletts Lake. Notable waters by size include Lake Columbia (821 ac).

16
Lakes
106
Fish species
11
Boat launches
174
DNR stocking events
1,046,350
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Jackson County

See all 16 lakes →
Swains Lake 51 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish
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Pleasant Lake 49 stocking events Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish, Walleye +1 more
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Gilletts Lake 34 stocking events Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Redear Sunfish
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Lake Columbia 821 ac  ·  27 stocking events Black Crappie, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike +2 more
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Grass Lake 9 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Muskellunge, Redear Sunfish
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Vandercook Lake 2 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

106 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 16 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 16 lakes Central Mudminnow 16 lakes Common Shiner 16 lakes Emerald Shiner 16 lakes Fathead Minnow 16 lakes Ghost Shiner 16 lakes Golden Redhorse 16 lakes Lake Chubsucker 16 lakes Mimic Shiner 16 lakes Pugnose Minnow 16 lakes Redfin Shiner 16 lakes +94 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Jackson County, Michigan?

Jackson County waters hold 106 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, 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 Jackson County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Jackson County with 66 stocking events and 323,052 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish.

What are the best fishing lakes in Jackson County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Jackson County are Swains Lake, Pleasant Lake and Gilletts Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Jackson County at /lakes/county/jackson.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Jackson County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 174 stocking events in Jackson County, releasing over 1,046,350 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in March 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Jackson County?

Yes, Jackson County has 11 public boat launches on record, including Center Lake, Crispell Lake and Gilletts 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 Jackson County, Michigan?

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