Livingston County Fishing — Lakes, Species & DNR Stocking Records | Michigan Fishing
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Livingston County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Livingston County offers 8 fishable inland lakes and 16 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Central Mudminnow and Common Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 240 stocking events in Livingston County, releasing over 1,606,537 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Spring Mill Pond, Ore Lake and Lake Chemung. Notable waters by size include Baseline Lake (377 ac) and Ore Lake (233 ac).

8
Lakes
48
Fish species
16
Boat launches
240
DNR stocking events
1,606,537
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Livingston County

See all 8 lakes →
Spring Mill Pond 151 stocking events Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
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Ore Lake 233 ac  ·  30 stocking events Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Redear Sunfish, Walleye
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Lake Chemung 25 stocking events Lake Herring, Redear Sunfish, Walleye
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Bennett Lake 17 stocking events Black Crappie, Walleye, Yellow Perch
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Whitmore Lake 16 stocking events Northern Pike, Walleye
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Thompson Lake 1 stocking event Bluegill
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🐟 Fish Species

48 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 8 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 8 lakes Brook Silverside 8 lakes Central Mudminnow 8 lakes Common Shiner 8 lakes Emerald Shiner 8 lakes Fathead Minnow 8 lakes Ghost Shiner 8 lakes Golden Redhorse 8 lakes Golden Shiner 8 lakes Goldfish 8 lakes Lake Chubsucker 8 lakes +36 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Livingston County, Michigan?

Livingston County waters hold 48 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, 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 Livingston County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Livingston County with 83 stocking events and 13,950 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Livingston County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Livingston County are Spring Mill Pond, Ore Lake and Lake Chemung. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Livingston County at /lakes/county/livingston.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Livingston County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 240 stocking events in Livingston County, releasing over 1,606,537 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Livingston County?

Yes, Livingston County has 16 public boat launches on record, including Appleton Lake, Baseline Lake County Access and Bishop 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 Livingston County, Michigan?

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