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

Paw Paw River

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +80 more

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

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📦355 🐟84

South Branch Galien River

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +83 more

South Branch Galien River is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦266 🐟87

Pipestone Creek

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +70 more

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

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📦103 🐟74

Blue Creek

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

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

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📦77 🐟73

Brandywine Creek

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

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

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📦63 🐟73

Singer Lake

Berrien

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +27 more

Singer Lake is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦47 🐟31

Lake Michigan: St. Joseph Pier

Berrien

Atlantic Salmon Blackstripe Topminnow Bloater Bluntnose Minnow +48 more

Lake Michigan: St. Joseph Pier is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟52

Mill Creek

Berrien

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

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

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🐟73

Pipestone Lake

Berrien

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +27 more

Pipestone Lake is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟31

St. Joseph River (above Berrien Springs)

Berrien

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

St. Joseph River (above Berrien Springs) is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟83

St. Joseph River (below Berrien Springs)

Berrien

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

St. Joseph River (below Berrien Springs) is a fishing water in Berrien County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟83

Michigan Lake Finder

Berrien County Lakes