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

📍 Michigan

Muskegon County offers 16 fishable inland lakes and 13 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 993 stocking events in Muskegon County, releasing over 51,929,440 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Crockery Creek, Muskegon Lake and Duck Lake. Notable waters by size include Muskegon Lake (4,150 ac), Big Blue Lake (620 ac) and Duck Lake (490 ac).

16
Lakes
128
Fish species
13
Boat launches
993
DNR stocking events
51,929,440
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Muskegon County

See all 16 lakes →
Crockery Creek 266 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
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Muskegon Lake 4,150 ac  ·  201 stocking events Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Muskellunge +2 more
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Duck Lake 490 ac  ·  139 stocking events Brown Trout, Hybrid Sunfish, Lake Trout, Muskellunge +5 more
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Lake Michigan (Muskegon & White Lake pier/channel) 131 stocking events Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Big Blue Lake 620 ac  ·  106 stocking events Black Crappie, Brook Trout, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish +6 more
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Muskegon Lake 4,150 ac  ·  94 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

128 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 16 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 16 lakes Central Mudminnow 16 lakes Common Shiner 16 lakes Emerald Shiner 16 lakes Fathead Minnow 16 lakes Ghost Shiner 16 lakes Golden Redhorse 16 lakes Lake Chubsucker 16 lakes Mimic Shiner 16 lakes Pugnose Minnow 16 lakes Redfin Shiner 16 lakes +116 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Muskegon County, Michigan?

Muskegon County waters hold 128 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 Muskegon County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Muskegon County with 410 stocking events and 46,937,463 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Muskegon County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Muskegon County are Crockery Creek, Muskegon Lake and Duck Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Muskegon County at /lakes/county/muskegon.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Muskegon County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 993 stocking events in Muskegon County, releasing over 51,929,440 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Muskegon County?

Yes, Muskegon County has 13 public boat launches on record, including Big Blue Lake DNR Access, Cottage Grove and Duck Lake Channel Access, 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 Muskegon County, Michigan?

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