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

📍 Michigan

Washtenaw County offers 10 fishable inland lakes and 20 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 698 stocking events in Washtenaw County, releasing over 45,442,444 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in July 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Portage Lake, Silver Lake and Ford Lake. Notable waters by size include Portage Lake (800 ac).

10
Lakes
107
Fish species
20
Boat launches
698
DNR stocking events
45,442,444
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Washtenaw County

See all 10 lakes →
Portage Lake 800 ac  ·  298 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Chinook Salmon +6 more
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Silver Lake 233 stocking events Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish +7 more
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Ford Lake 74 stocking events Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnow +5 more
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River Raisin 55 stocking events Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Walleye
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Geddes Pond 22 stocking events Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge
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South Lake 11 stocking events Muskellunge, Walleye, Yellow Perch
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🐟 Fish Species

107 species total
Blackstripe Topminnow 10 lakes Bluntnose Minnow 10 lakes Central Mudminnow 10 lakes Common Shiner 10 lakes Emerald Shiner 10 lakes Fathead Minnow 10 lakes Ghost Shiner 10 lakes Golden Redhorse 10 lakes Lake Chubsucker 10 lakes Mimic Shiner 10 lakes Pugnose Minnow 10 lakes Redfin Shiner 10 lakes +95 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Washtenaw County, Michigan?

Washtenaw County waters hold 107 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 Washtenaw County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Walleye is the most actively stocked species in Washtenaw County with 305 stocking events and 40,118,155 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout.

What are the best fishing lakes in Washtenaw County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Washtenaw County are Portage Lake, Silver Lake and Ford Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Washtenaw County at /lakes/county/washtenaw.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Washtenaw County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 698 stocking events in Washtenaw County, releasing over 45,442,444 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in July 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Washtenaw County?

Yes, Washtenaw County has 20 public boat launches on record, including Bruin Lake, Cedar Lake and Doyle 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 Washtenaw County, Michigan?

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