How many lakes are in Michigan?

Our database lists 1,992 Michigan lakes, ponds, and water bodies. Combined with four of the five Great Lakes and over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan offers more freshwater fishing access than virtually anywhere else in the country.

Which Michigan lake has the most DNR stocking history?

Lake Michigan in Allegan County leads with 2,800 recorded stocking events in the DNR database. Lakes with long stocking histories are generally excellent targets for trout, salmon, and walleye.

What fish are stocked in Michigan lakes?

The Michigan DNR stocks over a dozen species in inland lakes: primarily rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, walleye, and muskellunge. Each lake page on this site shows its full stocking history by species and year.

How do I find a good fishing lake in Michigan?

Use the search and filters above to narrow by county, fish species, or lake name. Lake cards show stocking event counts, species present, and boat launch availability. Sorting by stocking count surfaces the most actively managed fisheries.

Are Michigan lake stocking records public information?

Yes. The Michigan DNR publishes fish stocking records as public data. This site aggregates that data and makes it searchable by lake, county, species, and year. Historical records are available to all visitors.

Do I need a boat to fish Michigan lakes?

Not always. Many Michigan lakes have public shore fishing access, county parks, and DNR boating access sites with bank fishing areas. Each lake page lists available boat launches, including carry-in access points suitable for kayaks and canoes.

Alger County Lakes, Rivers and Ponds (Page 3): DNR Stocking, Species and Boat Launches

1,992 Lakes & water bodies

77,081 Stocking events

149 Fish species

1,000 Boat launches ↗

Fish species

Whitefish River, West Branch

Alger

American Brook Lamprey Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner Black Redhorse +73 more

Whitefish River, West Branch is a fishing water in Alger County, Michigan (Northern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

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Alger County Lakes

All Alger County Lakes