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

Pere Marquette River

Lake

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

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

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📦361 🐟78

Pine River

Lake

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

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

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📦292 🐟80

Little Manistee River

Lake

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +75 more

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

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📦256 🐟79

Wolf Lake

Lake

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +35 more

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

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📦119 🐟39

Harper Lake

Lake

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

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

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📦40 🐟34

Big Star Lake

Lake

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

Big Star Lake is a fishing water in Lake County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦34 🐟32

Baldwin River

Lake

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +73 more

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

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📦11 🐟77

Big Bass Lake

Lake

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Big Bass Lake is a fishing water in Lake County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦3 🐟33

Idlewild Lake

Lake

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

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

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🐟32

Pere Marquette River (Little South Branch)

Lake

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

Pere Marquette River (Little South Branch) is a fishing water in Lake County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟75

Pere Marquette River (Middle Branch)

Lake

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

Pere Marquette River (Middle Branch) is a fishing water in Lake County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟75

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