How many lakes are in Michigan?

Michigan has over 2,019 documented lakes, ponds, and water bodies in our database. 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 2,696 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.

Search Michigan Fishing Lakes — DNR Stocking Records, Species & Boat Launches

Long Lake

Alpena 1,300 ac 40ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +50 more

Northeast Michigan lake near Alpena. Productive walleye and yellow perch fishery. Northern pike in weedy bays.

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📦464 🐟54 ⚓1

Thunder Bay River

Alpena

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Atlantic Salmon Barred Fantail Darter +83 more

Thunder Bay River is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦212 🐟87

Beaver Lake

Alpena

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +33 more

Beaver Lake is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦58 🐟37

Lake Winyah

Alpena

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +34 more

Lake Winyah is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦26 🐟38

Four Mile Impoundment

Alpena

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +34 more

Four Mile Impoundment is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦5 🐟38

Wolf Creek

Alpena

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +72 more

Wolf Creek is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦1 🐟76

Devils River

Alpena

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +71 more

Devils River is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟75

Fletcher Floodwater

Alpena

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Fletcher Floodwater is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟35

Lower So Br Thunder Bay R.

Alpena

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +27 more

Lower So Br Thunder Bay R. is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟31

North Br Thunder Bay River

Alpena

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +74 more

North Br Thunder Bay River is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟78

Thunder Bay, Alpena Harbor

Alpena

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +36 more

Thunder Bay, Alpena Harbor is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟40

Upper So Br Thunder Bay R

Alpena

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Bullhead +28 more

Upper So Br Thunder Bay R is a fishing water in Alpena County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟32

Michigan Lake Finder

Alpena County Lakes