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

📍 Michigan

Manistee County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 20 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 797 stocking events in Manistee County, releasing over 10,004,371 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Bear Lake, Betsie River and Bear Creek. Notable waters by size include Bear Lake (3,350 ac) and Manistee Lake (930 ac).

10
Lakes
116
Fish species
20
Boat launches
797
DNR stocking events
10,004,371
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Manistee County

See all 10 lakes →
Bear Lake 3,350 ac  ·  330 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +7 more
→
Betsie River 320 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Bear Creek 112 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout
→
Manistee Lake 930 ac  ·  27 stocking events Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Northern Pike, Walleye
→
Arcadia Lake 8 stocking events Brown Trout
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🐟 Fish Species

116 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 10 lakes Brook Stickleback 10 lakes Central Mudminnow 10 lakes Common Shiner 10 lakes Emerald Shiner 10 lakes Fathead Minnow 10 lakes Finescale Dace 10 lakes Golden Redhorse 10 lakes Lake Chub 10 lakes Least Darter 10 lakes Longnose Sucker 10 lakes Mimic Shiner 10 lakes +104 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Manistee County, Michigan?

Manistee County waters hold 116 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 Manistee County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Manistee County with 411 stocking events and 2,499,082 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Brook Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Manistee County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Manistee County are Bear Lake, Betsie River and Bear Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Manistee County at /lakes/county/manistee.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Manistee County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 797 stocking events in Manistee County, releasing over 10,004,371 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Manistee County?

Yes, Manistee County has 20 public boat launches on record, including Arcadia Township, Arthur Street and Bear 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 Manistee County, Michigan?

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