149 species sourced from the Michigan DNR — click any fish to see habitat, techniques, and where to catch them
Michigan has more freshwater coastline than any other state — and the fish to match. This guide covers all 149 species documented in Michigan waters, sourced directly from the Michigan DNR. Whether you're chasing a state-record walleye, trying to identify something you just pulled out of a UP stream, or planning a trip around a specific species, start here.
Each species page tells you where it's been stocked, which lakes hold the best populations, what the bite looks like month by month, and what the regulations say. Baitfish and forage species get full identification write-ups too — because knowing what's in the water beneath you matters.
Native and introduced non-game species — the forage base that Michigan's sport fishery depends on. Each species has its own page with habitat, description, and identification notes.