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Mackinac County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Mackinac County offers 33 fishable inland lakes and 19 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 1,029 stocking events in Mackinac County, releasing over 30,807,534 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Carp River, Black River and Nunns Creek. Notable waters by size include Brevoort Lake (4,179 ac) and Millecoquins Lake (1,680 ac).

33
Lakes
113
Fish species
19
Boat launches
1,029
DNR stocking events
30,807,534
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Mackinac County

See all 33 lakes →
Carp River 401 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +4 more
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Black River 261 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +6 more
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Nunns Creek 111 stocking events Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Whitefish, Walleye +1 more
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Brevoort Lake 4,179 ac  ·  63 stocking events Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Walleye
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Millecoquins Lake 1,680 ac  ·  47 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout +2 more
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Brevoort River 44 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 33 lakes Brook Stickleback 33 lakes Central Mudminnow 33 lakes Common Shiner 33 lakes Emerald Shiner 33 lakes Fathead Minnow 33 lakes Finescale Dace 33 lakes Golden Redhorse 33 lakes Kiyi 33 lakes Lake Chub 33 lakes Longnose Sucker 33 lakes Mimic Shiner 33 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Mackinac County, Michigan?

Mackinac County waters hold 113 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 Mackinac County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Mackinac County with 291 stocking events and 1,660,829 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Mackinac County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Mackinac County are Carp River, Black River and Nunns Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Mackinac County at /lakes/county/mackinac.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Mackinac County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,029 stocking events in Mackinac County, releasing over 30,807,534 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Mackinac County?

Yes, Mackinac County has 19 public boat launches on record, including Bay City Lake, Bois Blanc and Brevoort Lake Campground Launch, 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 Mackinac County, Michigan?

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