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

Lake Michigan

Antrim

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +54 more

Lake Michigan is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦2,487 🐟58

Cedar River

Antrim

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +79 more

Cedar River is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦337 🐟83

Torch Lake

Antrim 18,770 ac 320ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +46 more

Named one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world. Deep and clear with excellent lake trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

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📦176 🐟50 ⚓3

Elk Lake

Antrim 7,793 ac 197ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +38 more

Deep clear lake connected to Torch Lake. World-class smallmouth and lake trout. Part of the Chain of Lakes.

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📦152 🐟42 ⚓1

Elk Lake

Antrim 7,793 ac 197ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +39 more

Deep, clear lake connected to Torch Lake. Excellent lake trout and smallmouth bass. Part of the Chain of Lakes.

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📦152 🐟43 ⚓1

Elk River

Antrim

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +75 more

Elk River is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦96 🐟79

Lake of the Woods

Antrim

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +33 more

Lake of the Woods is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦70 🐟37

Birch Lake

Antrim

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +31 more

Birch Lake is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦61 🐟35

Jordan River

Antrim

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +75 more

Jordan River is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦53 🐟79

Lake Bellaire

Antrim

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +31 more

Lake Bellaire is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦47 🐟35

Sixmile Lake

Antrim

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Sixmile Lake is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦43 🐟33

Intermediate Lake

Antrim 682 ac 75ft

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +38 more

Part of the Elk-Antrim chain of lakes. Crystal-clear water with excellent smallmouth bass and lake trout. Connected to Elk Lake.

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📦19 🐟42 ⚓1

Lake Skegemog

Antrim

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +29 more

Lake Skegemog is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦4 🐟33

Clam Lake

Antrim

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +29 more

Clam Lake is a fishing water in Antrim County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟33

Michigan Lake Finder

Antrim County Lakes