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

Kalamazoo River

Kalamazoo

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +84 more

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

View lake →

📦375 🐟88

Augusta Creek

Kalamazoo

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +70 more

Augusta Creek is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦192 🐟74

Gull Lake

Kalamazoo 2,030 ac 108ft

Atlantic Salmon Bigmouth Buffalo Black Buffalo Black Crappie +50 more

Deep, clear lake in southwest Michigan. One of the state's best largemouth bass lakes with trophy-size fish. Strong walleye population.

View lake →

📦114 🐟54 ⚓2

Portage Creek

Kalamazoo

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

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

View lake →

📦100 🐟76

Little Paw Paw Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Little Paw Paw Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦57 🐟33

Ruppert Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Ruppert Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦39 🐟33

Austin Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Austin Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦30 🐟35

Eagle Lake (Charleton Twp.)

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +26 more

Eagle Lake (Charleton Twp.) is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟30

Eagle Lake (TeYesas Twp.)

Kalamazoo

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Eagle Lake (TeYesas Twp.) is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟30

Gourdneck Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Gourdneck Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟33

Sherman Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +26 more

Sherman Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟30

Sugarloaf Lake

Kalamazoo

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +27 more

Sugarloaf Lake is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Three Lakes - west

Kalamazoo

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +27 more

Three Lakes - west is a fishing water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Michigan Lake Finder

Kalamazoo County Lakes