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Oakland County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Oakland County offers 36 fishable inland lakes and 44 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 2,004 stocking events in Oakland County, releasing over 30,987,093 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Huron River, Clinton River (above Yates Dam) and Paint Creek. Notable waters by size include Cass Lake (1,280 ac), Pontiac Lake (770 ac) and Walled Lake (640 ac).

36
Lakes
113
Fish species
44
Boat launches
2,004
DNR stocking events
30,987,093
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Oakland County

See all 36 lakes →
Huron River 412 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Coho Salmon +2 more
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Clinton River (above Yates Dam) 211 stocking events Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Northern Pike +3 more
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Paint Creek 184 stocking events Brown Trout, Mottled Sculpin, Rainbow Trout
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Deer Lake 162 stocking events Arctic grayling, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout +4 more
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Maceday Lake 132 stocking events Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Rainbow Trout +2 more
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Union Lake 126 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Lake Trout +7 more
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🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 36 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 36 lakes Central Mudminnow 36 lakes Common Shiner 36 lakes Emerald Shiner 36 lakes Fathead Minnow 36 lakes Ghost Shiner 36 lakes Golden Redhorse 36 lakes Lake Chubsucker 36 lakes Mimic Shiner 36 lakes Pugnose Minnow 36 lakes Redfin Shiner 36 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Oakland County, Michigan?

Oakland County waters hold 113 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 Oakland County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Oakland County with 591 stocking events and 1,279,676 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike.

What are the best fishing lakes in Oakland County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Oakland County are Huron River, Clinton River (above Yates Dam) and Paint Creek. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Oakland County at /lakes/county/oakland.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Oakland County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 2,004 stocking events in Oakland County, releasing over 30,987,093 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Oakland County?

Yes, Oakland County has 44 public boat launches on record, including Alderman Lake, Big Lake and Big Seven 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 Oakland County, Michigan?

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