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

Lake Charlevoix

Charlevoix

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

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

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📦258 🐟34

Walloon Lake

Charlevoix 4,250 ac 115ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +48 more

Exceptionally clear deep lake with crystal blue water. Ernest Hemingway's boyhood lake. Outstanding smallmouth bass and lake trout fishery.

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📦219 🐟52 ⚓2

Deer Lake

Charlevoix

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +36 more

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

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📦100 🐟40

Boyne River (above P. H. Dam)

Charlevoix

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

Boyne River (above P. H. Dam) is a fishing water in Charlevoix County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦82 🐟79

Sixmile Lake

Charlevoix

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

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

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📦45 🐟34

Lake Geneserath

Charlevoix

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +28 more

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

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📦19 🐟32

Thumb Lake (Louise Lake)

Charlevoix

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +32 more

Thumb Lake (Louise Lake) is a fishing water in Charlevoix County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦4 🐟36

Boyne River (below P. H. Dam)

Charlevoix

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

Boyne River (below P. H. Dam) is a fishing water in Charlevoix County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟78

Charlevoix Lake

Charlevoix 17,260 ac 122ft

Alewife Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +47 more

Connects Lake Michigan to Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix. Diverse fishery including salmon, lake trout, walleye, and bass.

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🐟51 ⚓2

Susan Lake

Charlevoix

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

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

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🐟31

Michigan Lake Finder

Charlevoix County Lakes