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

📍 Michigan

Wexford County offers 7 fishable inland lakes and 16 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 1,761 stocking events in Wexford County, releasing over 58,745,773 fish, with the most recent activity recorded in June 2026. The most actively stocked waters include Manistee River, Big Twin Lake and Pleasant Lake. Notable waters by size include Lake Cadillac (1,141 ac), Lake Lavine (410 ac) and Big Twin Lake (210 ac).

7
Lakes
109
Fish species
16
Boat launches
1,761
DNR stocking events
58,745,773
Fish stocked

🌊 Top Lakes in Wexford County

See all 7 lakes →
Manistee River 1,454 stocking events Arctic grayling, Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +8 more
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Big Twin Lake 210 ac  ·  156 stocking events Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Trout, Brown Trout +9 more
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Pleasant Lake 46 stocking events Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch
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Lake Lavine 410 ac  ·  42 stocking events Rainbow Trout
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Lake Mitchell 2,580 ac  ·  33 stocking events Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Walleye
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Lake Cadillac 1,141 ac  ·  30 stocking events Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Walleye
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🐟 Fish Species

109 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 +97 more →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Wexford County, Michigan?

Wexford County waters hold 109 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 Wexford County?

According to Michigan DNR stocking records, Brown Trout is the most actively stocked species in Wexford County with 696 stocking events and 5,649,703 fish released. Other frequently stocked species include Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon.

What are the best fishing lakes in Wexford County?

Based on Michigan DNR stocking activity, the most actively managed fishing lakes in Wexford County are Manistee River, Big Twin Lake and Pleasant Lake. These lakes have received the highest number of DNR stocking events on record. See all lakes in Wexford County at /lakes/county/wexford.

Has the Michigan DNR recently stocked fish in Wexford County?

Yes. The Michigan DNR has made 1,761 stocking events in Wexford County, releasing over 58,745,773 fish. The most recent stocking on record was in June 2026.

Are there public boat launches in Wexford County?

Yes, Wexford County has 16 public boat launches on record, including Baxter Bridge, Berry Lake and Big Twin Lake Access, 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 Wexford County, Michigan?

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