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

Dowagiac River

Cass

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +77 more

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

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📦164 🐟81

Dowagiac Creek

Cass

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

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

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📦132 🐟73

Hemlock Lake

Cass

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Hemlock Lake is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦106 🐟37

Birch Lake

Cass

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Birch Lake is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦62 🐟36

Harwood Lake

Cass

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +29 more

Harwood Lake is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦55 🐟33

Diamond Lake

Cass

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Diamond Lake is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦49 🐟37

Shavehead Lake

Cass

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Shavehead Lake is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦30 🐟33

Magician Lake

Cass 755 ac 38ft

Bigmouth Buffalo Black Buffalo Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow +45 more

Cass County lake in the Chain-O-Lakes area. Trophy largemouth bass and good walleye. Part of a connected chain of lakes.

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📦25 🐟49 ⚓1

Fish Lake

Cass

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

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

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🐟33

Lower Dowagiac River (below Pucker Street Bridge)

Cass

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +78 more

Lower Dowagiac River (below Pucker Street Bridge) is a fishing water in Cass County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟82

Michigan Lake Finder

Cass County Lakes