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Kent County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Kent County offers 18 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 1,237 stocking events in Kent County, releasing over 7,254,428 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Rogue River (above Rockford Dam), Coldwater River and Cedar Creek.

18
Lakes
96
Fish species
20
Boat launches
1,237
DNR stocking events
7,254,428
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Kent County

See all 18 lakes →
Rogue River (above Rockford Dam) 480 stocking events Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
→
Coldwater River 333 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Cedar Creek 136 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Lime Lake 116 stocking events Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish +1 more
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Lincoln Lake 49 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
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Murray Lake 35 stocking events Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

96 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 18 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 18 lakes Central Mudminnow 18 lakes Common Shiner 18 lakes Emerald Shiner 18 lakes Fathead Minnow 18 lakes Ghost Shiner 18 lakes Golden Redhorse 18 lakes Lake Chubsucker 18 lakes Mimic Shiner 18 lakes Pugnose Minnow 18 lakes Redfin Shiner 18 lakes +84 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Kent County, Michigan?

Kent County waters hold 96 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 Kent County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Kent County with 663 stocking events and 1,780,953 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Kent County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Kent County are Rogue River (above Rockford Dam), Coldwater River and Cedar Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Kent County at /lakes/county/kent.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Kent County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,237 stocking events in Kent County, releasing over 7,254,428 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Kent County?

Yes, Kent County has 20 public boat launches on record, including Ada, Bass Lake and Big Pine Island 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 Kent County, Michigan?

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