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

Starvation Lake

Kalkaska

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

Starvation Lake is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦96 🐟32

Guernsey Lake

Kalkaska

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Guernsey Lake is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦67 🐟33

East Lake

Kalkaska

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +30 more

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

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📦24 🐟34

Rapid River

Kalkaska

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Atlantic Salmon Barred Fantail Darter +74 more

Rapid River is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦18 🐟78

Cub Lake

Kalkaska

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

Cub Lake is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦11 🐟32

Boardman River (North Branch)

Kalkaska

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

Boardman River (North Branch) is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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Boardman River (South Branch)

Kalkaska

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

Boardman River (South Branch) is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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Manistee River

Kalkaska

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

Manistee River is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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Manistee River (North Branch)

Kalkaska

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

Manistee River (North Branch) is a fishing water in Kalkaska County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟75

Skegemog Lake

Kalkaska

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +29 more

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

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Michigan Lake Finder

Kalkaska County Lakes