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Kalamazoo County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Kalamazoo County offers 13 fishable inland lakes and 20 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 907 stocking events in Kalamazoo County, releasing over 63,517,348 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Kalamazoo River, Augusta Creek and Gull Lake. Notable waters by size include Gull Lake (2,030 ac).

13
Lakes
111
Fish species
20
Boat launches
907
DNR stocking events
63,517,348
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Kalamazoo County

See all 13 lakes →
Kalamazoo River 375 stocking events Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +7 more
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Augusta Creek 192 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Gull Lake 2,030 ac  ·  114 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Smelt +1 more
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Portage Creek 100 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Little Paw Paw Lake 57 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Ruppert Lake 39 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

111 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 13 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 13 lakes Central Mudminnow 13 lakes Common Shiner 13 lakes Emerald Shiner 13 lakes Fathead Minnow 13 lakes Ghost Shiner 13 lakes Golden Redhorse 13 lakes Lake Chubsucker 13 lakes Mimic Shiner 13 lakes Pugnose Minnow 13 lakes Redfin Shiner 13 lakes +99 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Kalamazoo County, Michigan?

Kalamazoo County waters hold 111 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 Kalamazoo County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Kalamazoo County with 409 stocking events and 1,170,490 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Chinook Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Kalamazoo County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Kalamazoo County are Kalamazoo River, Augusta Creek and Gull Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Kalamazoo County at /lakes/county/kalamazoo.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Kalamazoo County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 907 stocking events in Kalamazoo County, releasing over 63,517,348 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Kalamazoo County?

Yes, Kalamazoo County has 20 public boat launches on record, including Austin Lake, Barton Lake and Cold Brook County Park, 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 Kalamazoo County, Michigan?

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