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

Hemlock Lake

Hillsdale

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

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

View lake →

📦111 🐟35

Bird Lake

Hillsdale

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +25 more

Bird Lake is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

View lake →

📦36 🐟29

Lake Diane

Hillsdale

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +27 more

Lake Diane is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

View lake →

📦28 🐟31

Cub Lake

Hillsdale

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Cub Lake is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

View lake →

📦13 🐟32

Baw Beese Lake

Hillsdale

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +30 more

Baw Beese Lake is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦10 🐟34

Lake Hudson

Hillsdale

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +27 more

Lake Hudson is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Long Lake (Camden Twp.)

Hillsdale

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Long Lake (Camden Twp.) is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟29

Long Lake (Reading Twp.)

Hillsdale

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Long Lake (Reading Twp.) is a fishing water in Hillsdale County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟32

Michigan Lake Finder

Hillsdale County Lakes