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

Glen Lake

Leelanau 4,944 ac 130ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +43 more

One of Michigan's most beautiful lakes — stunning clarity, emerald green color, and dune backdrop. Trophy smallmouth and lake trout.

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📦134 🐟47 ⚓2

Lake Leelanau

Leelanau 8,562 ac 113ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +43 more

Two connected lakes (North and South) in the heart of Leelanau Peninsula wine country. Excellent smallmouth bass and walleye.

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📦113 🐟47 ⚓2

Cedar Lake

Leelanau

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +38 more

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

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📦111 🐟42

Lime Lake

Leelanau

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +30 more

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

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📦100 🐟34

North Lake Leelanau

Leelanau

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +34 more

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

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📦93 🐟38

South Lake Leelanau

Leelanau

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +32 more

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

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📦35 🐟36

Little Traverse Lake

Leelanau

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +31 more

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

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📦7 🐟35

Little Glen Lake

Leelanau

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +30 more

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

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📦3 🐟34

Big Glen Lake

Leelanau

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +30 more

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

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🐟34

Lake Leelanau North

Leelanau 3,520 ac 40ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +37 more

Northern section of Lake Leelanau. Connected to the Leland River and Lake Michigan. Excellent smallmouth and coho salmon access.

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🐟41 ⚓1

Lake Michigan

Leelanau

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +43 more

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

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🐟47

Michigan Lake Finder

Leelanau County Lakes