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

Swains Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Swains Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦51 🐟30

Pleasant Lake

Jackson

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +30 more

Pleasant Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦49 🐟34

Gilletts Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

Gilletts Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦34 🐟32

Lake Columbia

Jackson 821 ac 32ft

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +44 more

Popular Jackson County all-sports lake. Good largemouth bass, walleye, and panfish. Active fishing community.

View lake →

📦27 🐟48 ⚓1

Grass Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

Grass Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦9 🐟32

Crispell Lake

Jackson

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Crispell Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦2 🐟30

Vandercook Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +26 more

Vandercook Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦2 🐟30

Big Portage Lake

Jackson

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Big Portage Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟32

Center Chain-of-Lakes

Jackson

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +27 more

Center Chain-of-Lakes is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Clear Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +24 more

Clear Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟28

Farewell Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +27 more

Farewell Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Grand River (Tompkins Twp.)

Jackson

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

Grand River (Tompkins Twp.) is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟78

Kalamazoo River (N. Branch)

Jackson

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

Kalamazoo River (N. Branch) is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟78

Lime Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +24 more

Lime Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟28

Round Lake (Liberty Twp.)

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Round Lake (Liberty Twp.) is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟29

Wampler's Lake

Jackson

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Wampler's Lake is a fishing water in Jackson County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

View lake →

🐟29

Michigan Lake Finder

Jackson County Lakes