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Ogemaw County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Ogemaw County offers 13 fishable inland lakes and 24 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 678 stocking events in Ogemaw County, releasing over 9,040,846 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Rifle River, Island Lake and Lake George.

13
Lakes
97
Fish species
24
Boat launches
678
DNR stocking events
9,040,846
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Ogemaw County

See all 13 lakes →
Rifle River 274 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Island Lake 166 stocking events Black Crappie, Brook Trout, Hybrid Sunfish, Lake Trout +7 more
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Lake George 71 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow +8 more
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Horseshoe Lake 39 stocking events Arctic grayling, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Hybrid Sunfish +2 more
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Sage Lake 34 stocking events Brook Trout, Fathead Minnow, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike +2 more
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George Lake 30 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

97 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 13 lakes Brook Stickleback 13 lakes Central Mudminnow 13 lakes Common Shiner 13 lakes Emerald Shiner 13 lakes Fathead Minnow 13 lakes Finescale Dace 13 lakes Golden Redhorse 13 lakes Lake Chub 13 lakes Least Darter 13 lakes Longnose Sucker 13 lakes Mimic Shiner 13 lakes +85 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Ogemaw County, Michigan?

Ogemaw County waters hold 97 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 Ogemaw County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Ogemaw County with 225 stocking events and 4,360,584 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Walleye, Brook Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Ogemaw County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Ogemaw County are Rifle River, Island Lake and Lake George. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Ogemaw County at /lakes/county/ogemaw.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Ogemaw County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 678 stocking events in Ogemaw County, releasing over 9,040,846 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Ogemaw County?

Yes, Ogemaw County has 24 public boat launches on record, including Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground, Au Sable Lake and Bush 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 Ogemaw County, Michigan?

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