← All Counties

Roscommon County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Roscommon County offers 7 fishable inland lakes and 12 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 1,552 stocking events in Roscommon County, releasing over 30,918,899 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in May 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Muskegon River, Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake. Notable waters by size include Houghton Lake (20,044 ac), Higgins Lake (9,600 ac) and Lake St. Helen (2,600 ac).

7
Lakes
113
Fish species
12
Boat launches
1,552
DNR stocking events
30,918,899
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Roscommon County

See all 7 lakes →
Muskegon River 1,172 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon +8 more
→
Higgins Lake 9,600 ac  ·  275 stocking events Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout +1 more
→
Houghton Lake 20,044 ac  ·  56 stocking events Walleye
→
Lake St. Helen 2,600 ac  ·  49 stocking events Black Crappie, Bluegill, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye +1 more
→

🐟 Fish Species

113 species total
Bluntnose Minnow 7 lakes Brook Stickleback 7 lakes Central Mudminnow 7 lakes Common Shiner 7 lakes Emerald Shiner 7 lakes Fathead Minnow 7 lakes Finescale Dace 7 lakes Golden Redhorse 7 lakes Lake Chub 7 lakes Least Darter 7 lakes Longnose Sucker 7 lakes Mimic Shiner 7 lakes +101 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Roscommon County, Michigan?

Roscommon County waters hold 113 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 Roscommon County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Rainbow Trout is the most actively stocked species in Roscommon County with 688 stocking events and 9,007,824 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Brown Trout, Walleye, Lake Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Roscommon County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Roscommon County are Muskegon River, Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Roscommon County at /lakes/county/roscommon.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Roscommon County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,552 stocking events in Roscommon County, releasing over 30,918,899 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in May 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Roscommon County?

Yes, Roscommon County has 12 public boat launches on record, including Dead Stream Flooding, Higgins Lake DNR Boat Rental Access and Higgins Lake North State Park Launch, 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 Roscommon County, Michigan?

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