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Lake County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Lake County offers 11 fishable inland lakes and 23 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 1,116 stocking events in Lake County, releasing over 34,971,586 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2025. The most actively stocked waters include Pere Marquette River, Pine River and Little Manistee River.

11
Lakes
97
Fish species
23
Boat launches
1,116
DNR stocking events
34,971,586
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Lake County

See all 11 lakes →
Pere Marquette River 361 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Pine River 292 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish +2 more
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Little Manistee River 256 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +1 more
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Wolf Lake 119 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Fathead Minnow +7 more
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Harper Lake 40 stocking events Brown Trout, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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Big Star Lake 34 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

97 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 11 lakes Brook Stickleback 11 lakes Central Mudminnow 11 lakes Common Shiner 11 lakes Emerald Shiner 11 lakes Fathead Minnow 11 lakes Finescale Dace 11 lakes Golden Redhorse 11 lakes Lake Chub 11 lakes Least Darter 11 lakes Longnose Sucker 11 lakes Mimic Shiner 11 lakes +85 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Lake County, Michigan?

Lake County waters hold 97 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 Lake County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Lake County with 523 stocking events and 1,478,489 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Lake County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Lake County are Pere Marquette River, Pine River and Little Manistee River. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Lake County at /lakes/county/lake.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Lake County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,116 stocking events in Lake County, releasing over 34,971,586 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2025.

Are there public boat launches in Lake County?

Yes, Lake County has 23 public boat launches on record, including Baldwin Hatchery, Big Bass Lake and Big Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, 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 Lake County, Michigan?

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