Fathead Minnow
🔬 Pimephales promelas
The most widely used commercial baitfish in North America. Hardy, easy to raise, and effective bait. Found in warm, tolerant habitats statewide. Most bait shop "minnows" are Fatheads.
🌿 Fathead Minnow Habitat & BehaviorDNR records show Fathead Minnow present in 1313 Michigan water bodies. Highest stocking activity on record is in Schoolcraft, Lake and Marquette counties.
🌊 Where to Catch Fathead Minnow in Michigan
Show more lakes (1293 remaining) ▾
Species Fathead Minnow
Quantity 75,000 fish
Stocked Nov 7, 2022
Size at stocking 1.5"
📋 Fathead Minnow Stocking Events by Lake
Date
Lake
County
Quantity
Size
13 more recent stocking events available with Fishing+
See what's been stocked recently, including lake, quantity, and size.
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May 10, 2024
Cook Lake Alger 13,750
2.0"
Nov 8, 2023
Lake Ogemaw 7,500
2.5"
Jun 6, 2023
Hasler Creek 4,400
2.0"
Jun 6, 2023
Hasler Creek 17,600
2.0"
Apr 29, 2023
Thread Creek 2,041
2.5"
Nov 29, 2022
Lake Bel Air 6,000
2.4"
Nov 23, 2022
Big Clinton Lake 15,000
2.4"
Nov 21, 2022
Cedar Lake Leelanau 15,000
2.4"
Nov 21, 2022
Cedar Lake Lapeer 15,000
2.4"
Nov 8, 2022
Big Blue Lake Muskegon 1,560
1.5"
Nov 8, 2022
Shamrock Lake Clare 15,000
2.0"
Nov 7, 2022
Lake Isabella 75,000
1.5"
Most valuable for Fathead Minnow anglers
See where Fathead Minnow will be stocked next
Full stocking history across all 106 lakes, plus a forecast of which waters are due for restocking this season.
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See which Michigan lakes are likely to be stocked with Fathead Minnow next — view the stocking forecast →
📋 Quick Fathead Minnow Facts
Common name Fathead Minnow
Scientific name Pimephales promelas Listed in 1313 Michigan lakes
Consumption Safe to eat
💡 Angler Tips for Fathead Minnow
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