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

Coldwater River

Barry

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

Coldwater River is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦329 🐟78

Gun Lake

Barry 2,680 ac 65ft

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +41 more

West Michigan's best largemouth bass lake. Regular MDNR stocking program. Also holds walleye and panfish.

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📦121 🐟45 ⚓3

Thornapple Lake

Barry 1,037 ac 35ft

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

West-central Michigan lake with consistent largemouth bass and walleye fishing. Good northern pike in the weedy north end.

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📦90 🐟36 ⚓1

Deep Lake

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +27 more

Deep Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦64 🐟31

Thornapple River

Barry

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

Thornapple River is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦9 🐟79

Lower Crooked Lake

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Lower Crooked Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦6 🐟30

Pine Lake

Barry

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Pine Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦1 🐟30

Fish Lake

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Fish Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟30

Highbanks Creek

Barry

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +68 more

Highbanks Creek is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟72

Lime Lake

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +24 more

Lime Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟28

Upper Crooked Lake

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Upper Crooked Lake is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟29

Williams Lake (Catch &Release only)

Barry

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +24 more

Williams Lake (Catch &Release only) is a fishing water in Barry County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟28

Michigan Lake Finder

Barry County Lakes