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

Pere Marquette River

Mason

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Atlantic Salmon Barred Fantail Darter +76 more

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

View lake →

📦551 🐟80

Big Sable River (below Hamlin Lake)

Mason

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

Big Sable River (below Hamlin Lake) is a fishing water in Mason County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦194 🐟79

Hamlin Lake

Mason 5,000 ac 40ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +47 more

Beautiful lake inside Ludington State Park. Excellent walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing with minimal development.

View lake →

📦77 🐟51 ⚓1

Lincoln Lake

Mason

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +26 more

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

View lake →

📦44 🐟30

Hackert (Crystal) Lake

Mason

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Hackert (Crystal) Lake is a fishing water in Mason County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

📦23 🐟36

Bass Lake

Mason

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

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

View lake →

🐟32

Big Sable River (above Hamlin Lake)

Mason

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

Big Sable River (above Hamlin Lake) is a fishing water in Mason County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟76

Ford Lake

Mason

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +28 more

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

View lake →

🐟32

Lake Michigan

Mason

Atlantic Salmon Bloater Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +45 more

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

View lake →

🐟49

Little Manistee River

Mason

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

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

View lake →

🐟78

Pere Marquette Lake

Mason

Black Crappie Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +32 more

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

View lake →

🐟36

Pere Marquette River (Big South Branch)

Mason

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

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

View lake →

🐟78

Round Lake

Mason

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

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

View lake →

🐟32

St. Mary's Lake

Mason

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

St. Mary's Lake is a fishing water in Mason County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

View lake →

🐟31

Michigan Lake Finder

Mason County Lakes