← All Counties

Leelanau County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Leelanau County offers 11 fishable inland lakes and 12 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow and Common Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 596 stocking events in Leelanau County, releasing over 76,595,663 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau and Cedar Lake. Notable waters by size include Lake Leelanau (8,562 ac), Glen Lake (4,944 ac) and Lake Leelanau North (3,520 ac).

11
Lakes
69
Fish species
12
Boat launches
596
DNR stocking events
76,595,663
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Leelanau County

See all 11 lakes →
Glen Lake 4,944 ac  ·  134 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Splake +1 more
→
Lake Leelanau 8,562 ac  ·  113 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish +3 more
→
Cedar Lake 111 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish +8 more
→
Lime Lake 100 stocking events Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
→
North Lake Leelanau 93 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Rainbow Trout +2 more
→
South Lake Leelanau 35 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish +1 more
→

🐟 Fish Species

69 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 11 lakes Brook Silverside 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 Golden Shiner 11 lakes Goldfish 11 lakes Lake Chub 11 lakes +57 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Leelanau County, Michigan?

Leelanau County waters hold 69 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner. Species presence is based on Michigan DNR stocking records and lake survey data.

What is the most stocked fish in Leelanau County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Leelanau County with 170 stocking events and 1,688,682 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Leelanau County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Leelanau County are Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau and Cedar Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Leelanau County at /lakes/county/leelanau.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Leelanau County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 596 stocking events in Leelanau County, releasing over 76,595,663 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Leelanau County?

Yes, Leelanau County has 12 public boat launches on record, including Armstrong Lake, Cedar Lake and Elmwood Township Marina, 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 Leelanau County, Michigan?

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