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Montcalm County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Montcalm County offers 15 fishable inland lakes and 25 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 1,836 stocking events in Montcalm County, releasing over 9,782,681 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Tamarack Creek, Fish Creek and Fish Creek.

15
Lakes
95
Fish species
25
Boat launches
1,836
DNR stocking events
9,782,681
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Montcalm County

See all 15 lakes →
Tamarack Creek 473 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Fish Creek 282 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +3 more
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Fish Creek 248 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +2 more
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Prairie Creek 237 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Prairie Creek 234 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Big Whitefish Lake 131 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish +7 more
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🐟 Fish Species

95 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 15 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 15 lakes Central Mudminnow 15 lakes Common Shiner 15 lakes Emerald Shiner 15 lakes Fathead Minnow 15 lakes Ghost Shiner 15 lakes Golden Redhorse 15 lakes Lake Chubsucker 15 lakes Mimic Shiner 15 lakes Pugnose Minnow 15 lakes Redfin Shiner 15 lakes +83 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Montcalm County, Michigan?

Montcalm County waters hold 95 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 Montcalm County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Montcalm County with 1,125 stocking events and 1,634,526 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Channel Catfish.

What are the best fishing lakes in Montcalm County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Montcalm County are Tamarack Creek, Fish Creek and Fish Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Montcalm County at /lakes/county/montcalm.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Montcalm County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,836 stocking events in Montcalm County, releasing over 9,782,681 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Montcalm County?

Yes, Montcalm County has 25 public boat launches on record, including Clear Lake, Clifford Lake and Colby 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 Montcalm County, Michigan?

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