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

📍 Michigan

Mason County offers 14 fishable inland lakes and 13 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 889 stocking events in Mason County, releasing over 12,630,221 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Pere Marquette River, Big Sable River (below Hamlin Lake) and Hamlin Lake. Notable waters by size include Hamlin Lake (5,000 ac).

14
Lakes
113
Fish species
13
Boat launches
889
DNR stocking events
12,630,221
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Mason County

See all 14 lakes →
Pere Marquette River 551 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Big Sable River (below Hamlin Lake) 194 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +1 more
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Hamlin Lake 5,000 ac  ·  77 stocking events Bluegill, Hybrid Sunfish, Muskellunge, Walleye
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Lincoln Lake 44 stocking events Walleye
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Hackert (Crystal) Lake 23 stocking events Fathead Minnow, Muskellunge, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 14 lakes Brook Stickleback 14 lakes Central Mudminnow 14 lakes Common Shiner 14 lakes Emerald Shiner 14 lakes Fathead Minnow 14 lakes Finescale Dace 14 lakes Golden Redhorse 14 lakes Lake Chub 14 lakes Least Darter 14 lakes Longnose Sucker 14 lakes Mimic Shiner 14 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Mason County, Michigan?

Mason 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 Mason County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Mason County with 623 stocking events and 1,522,232 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Chinook Salmon, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Mason County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Mason County are Pere Marquette River, Big Sable River (below Hamlin Lake) and Hamlin Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Mason County at /lakes/county/mason.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Mason County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 889 stocking events in Mason County, releasing over 12,630,221 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Mason County?

Yes, Mason County has 13 public boat launches on record, including Ford Lake, Gun Lake and Hackert 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 Mason County, Michigan?

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