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

Platte River

Benzie

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

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

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📦477 🐟78

Betsie River

Benzie

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

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

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📦320 🐟78

Crystal Lake

Benzie 9,854 ac 165ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +49 more

Stunning clarity. Excellent rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. Popular summer destination.

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📦290 🐟53 ⚓3

Platte Lake

Benzie

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +30 more

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

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📦25 🐟34

Upper Herring Lake

Benzie

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +34 more

Upper Herring Lake is a fishing water in Benzie County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦23 🐟38

Lake Ann

Benzie 176 ac 44ft

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +33 more

Small but productive trout lake near Sleeping Bear Dunes. MDNR stocks regularly. Peaceful and scenic.

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📦20 🐟37 ⚓1

Lower Herring Lake

Benzie

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +26 more

Lower Herring Lake is a fishing water in Benzie County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦20 🐟30

Betsie Lake

Benzie

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +29 more

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

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🐟33

Lake Michigan

Benzie

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +44 more

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

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🐟48

Loon Lake

Benzie

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +26 more

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

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🐟30

Michigan Lake Finder

Benzie County Lakes