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Van Buren County Fishing

📍 Michigan

Van Buren County offers 18 fishable inland lakes and 2 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 825 stocking events in Van Buren County, releasing over 4,345,865 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in April 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Pine Creek, Brush Creek and Round Lake. Notable waters by size include Paw Paw Lake (1,000 ac).

18
Lakes
122
Fish species
2
Boat launches
825
DNR stocking events
4,345,865
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Van Buren County

See all 18 lakes →
Pine Creek 196 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout
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Brush Creek 119 stocking events Brown Trout
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Round Lake 115 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Muskellunge, Redear Sunfish +1 more
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East & South Branch Paw Paw River 110 stocking events Brown Trout
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Paw Paw Lake 1,000 ac  ·  82 stocking events Rainbow Trout, Walleye
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Bankson Lake 68 stocking events Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Walleye +1 more
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🐟 Fish Species

122 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 18 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 18 lakes Central Mudminnow 18 lakes Common Shiner 18 lakes Emerald Shiner 18 lakes Fathead Minnow 18 lakes Ghost Shiner 18 lakes Golden Redhorse 18 lakes Lake Chubsucker 18 lakes Mimic Shiner 18 lakes Pugnose Minnow 18 lakes Redfin Shiner 18 lakes +110 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Van Buren County, Michigan?

Van Buren County waters hold 122 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 Van Buren County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Van Buren County with 394 stocking events and 458,824 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Muskellunge.

What are the best fishing lakes in Van Buren County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Van Buren County are Pine Creek, Brush Creek and Round Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Van Buren County at /lakes/county/van-buren.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Van Buren County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 825 stocking events in Van Buren County, releasing over 4,345,865 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in April 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Van Buren County?

Yes, Van Buren County has 2 public boat launches on record, including Paw Paw Lake North Ramp and Paw Paw Lake Township Launch. Directions and details for each launch are listed in the boat launches section above.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in Van Buren County, Michigan?

Yes. Anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan — including Van Buren 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.