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

📍 Michigan

Marquette County offers 47 fishable inland lakes and 40 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 2,300 stocking events in Marquette County, releasing over 37,271,756 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Carp River, Dead River and Yellow Dog River. Notable waters by size include Lake Michigamme (4,149 ac).

47
Lakes
113
Fish species
40
Boat launches
2,300
DNR stocking events
37,271,756
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Marquette County

See all 47 lakes →
Carp River 421 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon +5 more
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Dead River 188 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +1 more
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Yellow Dog River 168 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Wolf Lake 154 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +10 more
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Big Trout Lake 105 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Squaw Lake 104 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 47 lakes Brook Stickleback 47 lakes Central Mudminnow 47 lakes Common Shiner 47 lakes Emerald Shiner 47 lakes Fathead Minnow 47 lakes Finescale Dace 47 lakes Golden Redhorse 47 lakes Kiyi 47 lakes Lake Chub 47 lakes Longnose Sucker 47 lakes Mimic Shiner 47 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Marquette County, Michigan?

Marquette 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 Marquette County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brook Trout is the most actively stocked species in Marquette County with 589 stocking events and 1,102,977 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Walleye.

What are the best fishing lakes in Marquette County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Marquette County are Carp River, Dead River and Yellow Dog River. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Marquette County at /lakes/county/marquette.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Marquette County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 2,300 stocking events in Marquette County, releasing over 37,271,756 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Marquette County?

Yes, Marquette County has 40 public boat launches on record, including Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground, Arfelin Lake and Big Bay Harbor of Refuge, 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 Marquette County, Michigan?

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