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Montmorency County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Montmorency County offers 26 fishable inland lakes and 17 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 643 stocking events in Montmorency County, releasing over 9,620,477 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Thunder Bay River, Brush Creek and Avalon Lake. Notable waters by size include Fletcher Pond (8,600 ac).

26
Lakes
102
Fish species
17
Boat launches
643
DNR stocking events
9,620,477
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Montmorency County

See all 26 lakes →
Thunder Bay River 203 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon +2 more
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Brush Creek 117 stocking events Brown Trout
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Avalon Lake 98 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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McCormick Lake 62 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Sage Lake 32 stocking events Brook Trout, Fathead Minnow, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout +1 more
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Ess Lake 32 stocking events Bluegill, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike +2 more
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🐟 Fish Species

102 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 26 lakes Brook Stickleback 26 lakes Central Mudminnow 26 lakes Common Shiner 26 lakes Emerald Shiner 26 lakes Fathead Minnow 26 lakes Finescale Dace 26 lakes Golden Redhorse 26 lakes Lake Chub 26 lakes Least Darter 26 lakes Longnose Sucker 26 lakes Mimic Shiner 26 lakes +90 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Montmorency County, Michigan?

Montmorency County waters hold 102 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 Montmorency County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Montmorency County with 256 stocking events and 486,405 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Splake.

What are the best fishing lakes in Montmorency County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Montmorency County are Thunder Bay River, Brush Creek and Avalon Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Montmorency County at /lakes/county/montmorency.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Montmorency County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 643 stocking events in Montmorency County, releasing over 9,620,477 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Montmorency County?

Yes, Montmorency County has 17 public boat launches on record, including Avery Lake State Forest Campground, Crooked Creek Pond and De Cheau 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 Montmorency County, Michigan?

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