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

📍 Michigan

Ottawa County offers 11 fishable inland lakes and 12 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 1,489 stocking events in Ottawa County, releasing over 113,976,577 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Grand River, Crockery Creek and Lake Macatawa.

11
Lakes
110
Fish species
12
Boat launches
1,489
DNR stocking events
113,976,577
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Ottawa County

See all 11 lakes →
Grand River 883 stocking events Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +8 more
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Crockery Creek 414 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
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Lake Macatawa 144 stocking events Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge +1 more
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Crockery Lake 48 stocking events Brown Trout, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

110 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 11 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 11 lakes Central Mudminnow 11 lakes Common Shiner 11 lakes Emerald Shiner 11 lakes Fathead Minnow 11 lakes Ghost Shiner 11 lakes Golden Redhorse 11 lakes Lake Chubsucker 11 lakes Mimic Shiner 11 lakes Pugnose Minnow 11 lakes Redfin Shiner 11 lakes +98 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Ottawa County waters hold 110 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 Ottawa County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Ottawa County with 384 stocking events and 590,451 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Ottawa County?

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

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Ottawa County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,489 stocking events in Ottawa County, releasing over 113,976,577 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Ottawa County?

Yes, Ottawa County has 12 public boat launches on record, including Bass River Recreation Area, Bruce's Bayou East and Bruce's Bayou West, 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 Ottawa County, Michigan?

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