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

Little Muskegon River (above Altona)

Mecosta

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +78 more

Little Muskegon River (above Altona) is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦158 🐟82

Chippewa Lake

Mecosta

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +30 more

Chippewa Lake is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦29 🐟34

Horsehead Lake

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

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

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📦28 🐟32

Chippewa Lake

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

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

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📦27 🐟30

Lake Mecosta

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

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

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📦12 🐟32

Mariny Flooding

Mecosta

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Mariny Flooding is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Southern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟32

Martiny Lakes

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

Martiny Lakes is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟30

Muskegon River (above Rogers Dam)

Mecosta

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

Muskegon River (above Rogers Dam) is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟79

Muskegon River (below Rogers Dam)

Mecosta

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

Muskegon River (below Rogers Dam) is a fishing water in Mecosta County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟78

Rogers Pond

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brown Bullhead +25 more

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

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🐟29

Round Lake

Mecosta

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

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

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🐟29

Michigan Lake Finder

Mecosta County Lakes