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

Union Lake

Branch

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +33 more

Union Lake is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦118 🐟37

Prairie River

Branch

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +73 more

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

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📦69 🐟77

Matteson Lake

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Matteson Lake is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦65 🐟35

Coldwater Lake

Branch 1,561 ac 80ft

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +39 more

Southern Michigan's finest walleye lake. Clear water, good structure, and consistent fishing year-round.

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📦64 🐟43 ⚓2

Cary Lake

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Cary Lake is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦49 🐟30

Gilead Lake

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Gilead Lake is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦31 🐟30

Craig-Morrison Lakes

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Craig-Morrison Lakes is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦17 🐟30

Lake George

Branch

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Lake George is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Lake-of-the-Woods (Rose Lake)

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Lake-of-the-Woods (Rose Lake) is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟29

Marble Chain-of-Lakes

Branch

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Marble Chain-of-Lakes is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Randall Chain-of-Lakes

Branch

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Randall Chain-of-Lakes is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟29

Silver Lake

Branch

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +24 more

Silver Lake is a fishing water in Branch County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟28

St. Joseph River

Branch

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +76 more

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

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🐟80

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