Otsego County Fishing — Lakes, Species & DNR Stocking Records | Michigan Fishing
← All Counties

Otsego County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Otsego County offers 20 fishable inland lakes and 16 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 920 stocking events in Otsego County, releasing over 58,966,291 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Sturgeon River, Otsego Lake and Big Lake. Notable waters by size include Otsego Lake (1,989 ac).

20
Lakes
99
Fish species
16
Boat launches
920
DNR stocking events
58,966,291
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Otsego County

See all 20 lakes →
Sturgeon River 530 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Sturgeon, Rainbow Trout +1 more
→
Otsego Lake 1,989 ac  ·  122 stocking events Lake Sturgeon, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye
→
Big Lake 60 stocking events Black Crappie, Walleye
→
Big Chub Lake 51 stocking events Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
→
Heart Lake 46 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Splake
→
Dixon Lake 31 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye
→

🐟 Fish Species

99 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 20 lakes Brook Stickleback 20 lakes Central Mudminnow 20 lakes Common Shiner 20 lakes Emerald Shiner 20 lakes Fathead Minnow 20 lakes Finescale Dace 20 lakes Golden Redhorse 20 lakes Lake Chub 20 lakes Least Darter 20 lakes Longnose Sucker 20 lakes Mimic Shiner 20 lakes +87 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Otsego County, Michigan?

Otsego County waters hold 99 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 Otsego County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Otsego County with 240 stocking events and 1,091,266 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Brown Trout, Lake Sturgeon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Otsego County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Otsego County are Sturgeon River, Otsego Lake and Big Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Otsego County at /lakes/county/otsego.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Otsego County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 920 stocking events in Otsego County, releasing over 58,966,291 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Otsego County?

Yes, Otsego County has 16 public boat launches on record, including Big Bass Lake, Big Bear Point State Forest Campground and Big Bradford 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 Otsego County, Michigan?

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