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

Bear Lake

Manistee 3,350 ac 47ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +46 more

Beautiful Manistee County lake connected to the Manistee River. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing and good walleye.

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📦330 🐟50 ⚓2

Betsie River

Manistee

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

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

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📦320 🐟78

Bear Creek

Manistee

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

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

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📦112 🐟77

Manistee Lake

Manistee 930 ac 47ft

Bluntnose Minnow Bowfin Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +44 more

Connected to the Manistee River. Excellent walleye, perch, and seasonal salmon runs.

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📦27 🐟48 ⚓2

Arcadia Lake

Manistee

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

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

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📦8 🐟37

Lake Michigan

Manistee

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +45 more

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

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🐟49

Little Manistee River

Manistee

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

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

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🐟78

Manistee River (Below Tippy Dam)

Manistee

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +77 more

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

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🐟81

Manistee River (Between Hodenpyl Dam and Tippy Dam)

Manistee

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

Manistee River (Between Hodenpyl Dam and Tippy Dam) is a fishing water in Manistee County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟78

Tippy Pond

Manistee

Black Crappie Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

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

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🐟33

Michigan Lake Finder

Manistee County Lakes