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

Long Lake

Grand Traverse 1,410 ac 92ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +47 more

Deep clear lake near Traverse City. Good smallmouth bass, lake trout, and walleye. Less traffic than nearby Torch Lake.

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📦303 🐟51 ⚓1

Silver Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brook Trout +30 more

Silver Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦165 🐟34

Boardman River (below Union St. Dam)

Grand Traverse

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

Boardman River (below Union St. Dam) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦162 🐟80

Sand Lake #1

Grand Traverse

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +31 more

Sand Lake #1 is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦106 🐟35

Green Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +34 more

Green Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦97 🐟38

Bass Lake (Long Lake Township)

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +35 more

Bass Lake (Long Lake Township) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦93 🐟39

Fife Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Fife Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦25 🐟33

Boardman Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Boardman Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦5 🐟33

Arbutus Lake

Grand Traverse 510 ac 56ft

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brook Trout +37 more

Small, very clear Grand Traverse County lake. Outstanding smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. Near Traverse City.

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📦3 🐟41 ⚓1

Spider Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

Spider Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦2 🐟32

Boardman River (above Boardman Dam)

Grand Traverse

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

Boardman River (above Boardman Dam) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟75

Boardman River (between Sabin Dam and Brown Bridge Dam)

Grand Traverse

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

Boardman River (between Sabin Dam and Brown Bridge Dam) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟76

Cedar Hedge Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

Cedar Hedge Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Lake Michigan (East Bay)

Grand Traverse

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +44 more

Lake Michigan (East Bay) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟48

Lake Michigan (West Bay)

Grand Traverse

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +44 more

Lake Michigan (West Bay) is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟48

Skegemog Lake

Grand Traverse

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +29 more

Skegemog Lake is a fishing water in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟33

Michigan Lake Finder

Grand Traverse County Lakes