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

Tamarack Creek

Montcalm

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +70 more

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

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📦473 🐟74

Fish Creek

Montcalm

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

Fish Creek is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦282 🐟77

Fish Creek

Montcalm

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

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

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📦248 🐟77

Prairie Creek

Montcalm

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +70 more

Prairie Creek is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦237 🐟74

Prairie Creek

Montcalm

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

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

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📦234 🐟73

Big Whitefish Lake

Montcalm

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +33 more

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

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📦131 🐟37

Flat River

Montcalm

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

Flat River is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦62 🐟81

Flat River

Montcalm

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

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

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📦61 🐟81

Nevins Lake

Montcalm

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +26 more

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

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📦50 🐟30

Clifford Lake

Montcalm

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

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

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📦20 🐟32

Derby Lake

Montcalm

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +27 more

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

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📦17 🐟31

Derby Lake

Montcalm

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +29 more

Derby Lake is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦17 🐟33

Dickerson Lake

Montcalm

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +29 more

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

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📦4 🐟33

Clifford Lake

Montcalm

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Clifford Lake is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟29

Lt. Whitefish Lake

Montcalm

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Lt. Whitefish Lake is a fishing water in Montcalm County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Michigan Lake Finder

Montcalm County Lakes