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Kalkaska County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Kalkaska County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 21 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 216 stocking events in Kalkaska County, releasing over 534,584 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Starvation Lake, Guernsey Lake and East Lake.

10
Lakes
91
Fish species
21
Boat launches
216
DNR stocking events
534,584
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Kalkaska County

See all 10 lakes →
Starvation Lake 96 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Guernsey Lake 67 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
→
East Lake 24 stocking events Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
→
Rapid River 18 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Cub Lake 11 stocking events Black Crappie, Walleye
→

🐟 Fish Species

91 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 10 lakes Brook Stickleback 10 lakes Central Mudminnow 10 lakes Common Shiner 10 lakes Emerald Shiner 10 lakes Fathead Minnow 10 lakes Finescale Dace 10 lakes Golden Redhorse 10 lakes Lake Chub 10 lakes Least Darter 10 lakes Longnose Sucker 10 lakes Mimic Shiner 10 lakes +79 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Kalkaska County, Michigan?

Kalkaska County waters hold 91 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 Kalkaska County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Kalkaska County with 98 stocking events and 212,907 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Largemouth Bass.

What are the best fishing lakes in Kalkaska County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Kalkaska County are Starvation Lake, Guernsey Lake and East Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Kalkaska County at /lakes/county/kalkaska.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Kalkaska County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 216 stocking events in Kalkaska County, releasing over 534,584 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Kalkaska County?

Yes, Kalkaska County has 21 public boat launches on record, including 3 Mile Bend, 4 Mile Bend and Bear 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 Kalkaska County, Michigan?

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