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Midland County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Midland County offers 6 fishable inland lakes and 3 public boat launches, making it one of Michigan's accessible fishing destinations. Anglers here target Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner and Emerald Shiner, among other species recorded across county waters. The Michigan DNR has made 600 stocking events in Midland County, releasing over 13,573,264 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Pine River, Sanford Lake and Tittabawassee River. Notable waters by size include Wixom Lake (2,180 ac) and Sanford Lake (991 ac).

6
Lakes
108
Fish species
3
Boat launches
600
DNR stocking events
13,573,264
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Midland County

See all 6 lakes →
Pine River 302 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish +2 more
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Sanford Lake 991 ac  ·  144 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +9 more
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Tittabawassee River 63 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +7 more
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Chippewa River 57 stocking events Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Wixom Lake 2,180 ac  ·  34 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

108 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 6 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 6 lakes Central Mudminnow 6 lakes Common Shiner 6 lakes Emerald Shiner 6 lakes Fathead Minnow 6 lakes Ghost Shiner 6 lakes Golden Redhorse 6 lakes Lake Chubsucker 6 lakes Largemouth Bass 6 lakes Mimic Shiner 6 lakes Pugnose Minnow 6 lakes +96 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Midland County, Michigan?

Midland County waters hold 108 recorded fish species. The most widely distributed include Blackstripe Topminnow, Bluntnose Minnow, 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 Midland County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Midland County with 177 stocking events and 463,386 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Midland County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Midland County are Pine River, Sanford Lake and Tittabawassee River. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Midland County at /lakes/county/midland.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Midland County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 600 stocking events in Midland County, releasing over 13,573,264 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Midland County?

Yes, Midland County has 3 public boat launches on record, including Sanford Lake Access, Wixom Lake East Access and Wixom Lake West Access. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in Midland County, Michigan?

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