Schoolcraft County offers 60 fishable inland lakes and 23 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 1,423 stocking events in Schoolcraft County, releasing over 20,958,972 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Clear Lake, Manistique River and Indian Lake. Notable waters by size include Indian Lake (8,689 ac).
Schoolcraft County waters hold 115 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.
According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brook Trout is the most actively stocked species in Schoolcraft County with 402 stocking events and 649,821 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.
Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Schoolcraft County are Clear Lake, Manistique River and Indian Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Schoolcraft County at /lakes/county/schoolcraft.
Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,423 stocking events in Schoolcraft County, releasing over 20,958,972 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2026.
Yes, Schoolcraft County has 23 public boat launches on record, including Ashford Lake, Canoe Lake State Forest Campground and Cusino Lake State Forest Campground, and more. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.
Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan — including Schoolcraft 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.