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 Margethe

Crawford

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Bullhead +32 more

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

View lake →

🐟36

Lonesome Lake

Crawford

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +26 more

Lonesome Lake is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

View lake →

🐟30

Middle Br Big Creek

Crawford

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

Middle Br Big Creek is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

View lake →

🐟75

Section One Lake

Crawford

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +26 more

Section One Lake is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟30

Section One Lake

Crawford

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Section One Lake is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

View lake →

🐟33

W Br Big Creek

Crawford

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

W Br Big Creek is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

View lake →

🐟75

Wakely Lake

Crawford

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

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

View lake →

🐟31

Wakely Lake

Crawford

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

Wakely Lake is a fishing water in Crawford County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Michigan Lake Finder

Crawford County Lakes