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 2,780 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

Muskegon River

Clare

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

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

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📦961 🐟82

Shamrock Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

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

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📦68 🐟37

Tobacco River

Clare

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

Tobacco River is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦64 🐟77

Lake George

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +35 more

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

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📦63 🐟39

Budd Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Budd Lake is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦61 🐟37

Little Long Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Little Long Lake is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦60 🐟36

Clam River

Clare

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +72 more

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

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📦57 🐟76

North Branch Cedar River

Clare

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

North Branch Cedar River is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦57 🐟77

Budd Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

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

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📦52 🐟37

Eight Point Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Eight Point Lake is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦30 🐟36

Tobacco River (Middle Branch)

Clare

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

Tobacco River (Middle Branch) is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦27 🐟77

Arnold Lake

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

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

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📦16 🐟36

Five Lakes

Clare

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +26 more

Five Lakes is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦4 🐟30

Five Lakes

Clare

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Five Lakes is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦4 🐟33

Lily Lake

Clare

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

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

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📦4 🐟33

Cedar River

Clare

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +71 more

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

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🐟75

Nestor Lake

Clare

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +26 more

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

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🐟30

Tobacco River (North Branch)

Clare

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +72 more

Tobacco River (North Branch) is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟76

Tobacco River (South Branch)

Clare

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +71 more

Tobacco River (South Branch) is a fishing water in Clare County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟75

Michigan Lake Finder

Clare County Lakes